Bacardi Lion has announced that managing director Colin Rochester is leaving the company to seek new opportunities.
Rochester originally joined Bacardi Ltd. as part of the team that formed the long standing Bacardi Lion joint venture and was appointed managing director soon after trading commenced nine years ago.
"Colin has made a very significant and positive contribution to the JV, its brands and its people and today the business is one of Australia’s premier spirit houses," said James Brindley, managing director, Lion Australia.
Bacardi Lion said that during Rochester's tenure its spirits portfolio flourished and for many years the business was one of Australia’s fastest growing spirit suppliers.
"Colin has led the business on a clear strategic growth path and he leaves the joint venture with a strong and sustainable platform for future growth. Colin’s last day will be 31 March 2014," the company said.
Former Diageo Australia commercial director Denis Brown has been announced as Rochester's replacement, effective from today.
"Denis joins Bacardi Lion with a deep knowledge of the liquor industry having worked locally and overseas in a number of sales, marketing and management roles at Diageo. Denis has worked as commercial director with Diageo Australia; global brand director RTD; country manager in the Czech Republic; and, with the Diageo/Heineken joint venture (Guinness Anchor Berhad), GM marketing in Malaysia," Bacardi Lion said.
The role will continue to report into the Bacardi Lion joint venture board of directors that includes representatives from both Lion and Bacardi Ltd.