NEWS
BACARDI-MARTINI AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
James Brindley, James France and Rodney O’Connell
LION ACQUIRES MINORITY STAKE IN VANGUARD LUXURY BRANDS Lion has acquired a minority stake in the premium spirits distributor Vanguard Luxury Brands, further cementing Lion’s entry into the growing craft spirits category. The announcement follows Lion’s recent purchase of 50 per cent of Four Pillars Gin, as well as the acquisition of leading UK craft brewer Magic Rock Brewing Company. Vanguard Founder and Managing Director James France said the deal with Lion is a logical next step. “This investment means we will go even further in providing the best brands for the best bars and retailers, and for that reason we are truly at the forefront of Australia’s flourishing craft and premium spirits industry,” France said. “I look forward to continuing to lead the Vanguard business as Managing Director. The culture and focus on premium brands that Vanguard is known for will be maintained, and we are enormously proud of this.” Vanguard has been Four Pillars’ distributor since the distillery’s launch in 2013 which is set to continue, with the pair recently inking a new long-term distribution agreement. This means the same craft spirit experts will continue to sell Four Pillars to both on- and off-premise accounts. Lion Managing Director James Brindley said the simultaneous deals between Lion, Four Pillars and Vanguard are a fortunate outcome for Lion as it enters the growing premium spirits category. “James France is widely recognised and respected within the premium spirits industry here and around the world,” Brindley said. “James and his team at Vanguard have been working closely with influential bartenders, hospitality operators and retailers for over a decade. Vanguard is a fabulous business and we at Lion will work hard to ensure we support Vanguard in continued service and engagement with our customers. “This partnership is a combination of two strong businesses with complementary strengths and we are excited to see the growth that will come.” Vanguard has been awarded On-Premise Supplier of the Year three times in the last six years at the annual ALIA awards.
10 | MAY 2019 NATIONAL LIQUOR NEWS
Bacardi-Martini Australia (BMA) has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director, Mauricio Vergara joining the Australia team from his role as Chief Operating Officer with Bacardi’s North American division. Vergara has been with Bacardi Limited since 2013 and the appointment comes in response to the company’s growth in the Asia-Pacific region, with the company saying it “marks the continued development of global talent across the business”. Regional Vice President Denis Brown, who will continue to have regional responsibility for Australia, welcomed Vergara to BMA and said he was looking forward to introducing him to the Australian market. “I’m thrilled to welcome Mauricio Vergara to the North Asia Pacific (NAPAC) Region Bacardi Leadership Team,” Brown said. “Mauricio and the leadership team will continue to focus on developing the spirit and cocktail categories. Australian consumers are enjoying more cocktails and mixed spirits like gin and tonics, as witnessed in the growth of the gin category, aperitifs and super premium spirits. “I am looking forward to introducing Mauricio to Australia’s sophisticated bar scene and customer landscape gaining his input from North America. Also, I am delighted we can demonstrate developing talent globally with this appointment as we move to make the next 10 years Bacardi’s best 10.” Vergara has spent 15 years in the beverage industry and has worked in various marketing and commercial leadership roles in his six years with Bacardi Limited. “I’ve spent more than 25 years in brand marketing, 15 of which have been in the beverage industry,” Vergara said. “As someone who’s been responsible for commercial strategy, customer marketing and sales of the Bacardi portfolio across North America, I have a passion for the front end of our business. “The global spirits industry is adapting to cultural shifts. Consumers are more informed and want to know the story behind what they’re buying. I’m eager to continue to develop Bacardi-Martini Australia’s portfolio, leading a forward-thinking team in a pivotal phase of growth.” Before Bacardi, Vergara has worked for Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, SAB Miller and Brown-Forman. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico. Vergara will move to Sydney and begin his new role in July.
Mauricio Vergara
