By Andrew Starke
The US head office of the Brown-Forman Corporation has announced the appointment of Michael McShane as managing director, North Asia, based in Shanghai, effective February 1, 2010.
As managing director, North Asia, McShane will be responsible for the key strategic markets of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guam, Japan, and South Korea.
McShane most recently served as managing director, Australia and New Zealand. He also serves as the chairman of the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia (DSICA).
“This appointment reflects the importance and growth potential of the markets of Asia,” said Brown-Forman Asia Pacific vice president and managing director Stuart Beck. “I’m very excited by the prospects of the Asia Pacific business, and particularly North Asia under Michael’s leadership.”
McShane joined Brown-Forman in 1999 as finance director, Brown-Forman Beverages. He has since served in a variety of positions, becoming managing director, Australia and New Zealand, in 2006.
McShane will commute between Sydney and Shanghai for the first few months of 2010, and relocate with his family thereafter.
An announcement regarding McShane’s successor as managing director, Australia and New Zealand, will be made at a later date.
Brown-Forman Corporation is the producer and marketer of a number of high-profile brands including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve, and Bonterra.