Bacardi Appoints New Regional President
Bermuda-headquarterd Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announces with immediate effect the appointment of Robert Furniss-Roe as regional president of Latin America with responsibility for leading all operations in the region for the internationally known portfolio of premium spirits.
“With more than 20 years at Bacardi, Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, business successes, entrepreneurial spirit, leadership effectiveness and expertise in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in this growth region for the Company,” said Séamus McBride, president and CEO of Bacardi, which operates out of its landmark building on Pitts Bay Road.
“This internal appointment also showcases the strong leadership within Bacardi and the Company’s ability to foster and grow talent internally.”
Mr. Furniss-Roe most recently was chief of staff and vice-president of Global Sales, Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility for Bacardi Limited.
In addition to his duties as Latin America Regional President, he will retain responsibilities for Global Sales and Corporate Communications.
Mr. Furniss-Roe has been with Bacardi since 1989 in a variety of marketing and executive management positions. He has an extensive background in strategy, marketing and operations in developing markets, overseeing rapid growth in markets including Russia and the CIS, as well as the launch of Bacardi Limited operations into various emerging markets such as India.
“Latin America continues to offer huge potential in our business,” said Mr. Furniss-Roe. “I look forward to working closely with my talented colleagues throughout Latin America to develop our portfolio of leading brands and further accelerate our already impressive growth.
“I believe we are well equipped to be recognised as leaders in consumer innovation across the Latin American region.”
Mr. Furniss-Roe previously served within Bacardi as interim regional president of Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA); area director for Russia/CIS/Poland; Vice President of Global Marketing; area director for Asia-Pacific; vice president of Marketing for Asia Pacific; and senior line marketing roles in France and the United States. Prior to joining Bacardi, Mr. Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal.
He succeeds Robbie Jamieson who resigned from the company for personal reasons. Mr. Jamieson joined Bacardi in 2007 and will remain with Bacardi during a transitional period.
This appointment and the already announced appointment of Jon Grey as regional president of Middle East & Africa rounds out the regional executive leadership team of Stefan Bomhard as regional president of Europe, Harold Dyrvik as Asia-Pacific regional president and John Esposito as North America regional president.
