Nodjame Fouad to head Irish Distillers as Conor McQuaid moves to Paris as Pernod EVP

Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Nodjame Fouad as its new chairman and chief executive. She will take up the role on July 1.

The appointment follows the elevation of the incumbent, Conor McQuaid, as the executive vice president corporate communication, S&R and public affairs at Pernod Ricard headquarters in Paris.

The newly created global role brings together the three functions under one role for the first time in Pernod Ricard and McQuaid will report to chairman and chief executive, Alexandre Ricard.

McQuaid originally joined Irish Distillers in 1998 and has served as chairman and chief executive since July 1, 2018. During his tenure he has guided Irish Distillers to continued success globally, supporting the growth of the full portfolio of Irish whiskeys led by Jameson.

Fouad currently holds the position of president and chief executive of Pernod Ricard Japan. Fouad has worked in various roles across the Pernod Ricard group for almost 10 years including senior roles in The Absolut Company and Global Travel Retail. She will take up the role as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers on July 1st, 2022.

Commenting on the announcement, Conor McQuaid said: “Serving as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers has been an honour and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a business over the past number of years, in particular, the remarkable success of our full portfolio of Irish whiskeys, and the continued success of Jameson around the world.

“As an Irishman, I take immense pride in the thought of new consumers igniting, or in some cases re-igniting, a passion for Irish whiskey in both established and new markets globally. I look forward to taking up my new role in Paris and would like to welcome Nodjame to Irish Distillers and Ireland; I have no doubt that she will continue to drive the success of our portfolio of superlative Irish whiskey around the world.”

Nodjame Fouad said: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Conor for an incredible tenure as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers and wish him well with his new role in Paris. I am deeply honoured to take up the proverbial baton as Chairman and CEO, acting as guardian of some of the most-loved Irish whiskeys in the world. I look forward to joining Irish Distillers in July and working closely with the team to shape the business strategy to drive the continued growth of our whiskey portfolio.”