Pernod Ricard UK appoints Lucy Bearman to newly created wine portfolio director role

Pernod Ricard UK has announced the appointment of Lucy Bearman to the newly created position of wine portfolio director.

The move follows the accelerated growth for the category during the lockdown, and the company said it hopes to maintain the strong momentum with the new role.

Bearman, who has over 20 years of experience in the wine industry, will look to strategically develop the company’s wine portfolio and deliver sustainable long-term growth within the premium+ wine category.

“Wine presents a huge opportunity and we are committed to maintaining our position as a key player in the category,” commented Raja Banerji, marketing director at Pernod Ricard.

“Lucy’s appointment will allow us to leverage her wine expertise to reinforce our Spanish leadership position, accelerate our New Zealand portfolio and lead growth in the premium Australian category, further bolstering our already strong position in the off-trade.

“We have a robust wine portfolio that is performing well, and we expect to continue that growth trajectory as we invest further in the category through marketing campaigns and a strong pipeline of innovation.”

Bearman will be responsible for leading marketing campaigns for PRUK’s portfolio of wines including Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Jacob’s Creek, and increasing the company’s market share in wine through NPDs.

Lockdown trends to continue driving wine and spirits growth in off-trade, Pernod Ricard predicts

Joining the PRUK in 2012, she has held several positions, including as the director of strategy, portfolio and insights, in the business. She will continue as a member of PRUK’s marketing leadership team.

The wine category experienced 24 per cent value and 18 per cent volume growth in the 12 weeks to June 13, according to Nielsen data, as more consumers enjoyed wine at home, as opposed to in pubs and bars due to the lockdown restrictions.