spiritsEUROPE welcomes new president
Spirits industry association spiritsEUROPE has elected Ian McLernon as new President of the organisation, succeeding Manu Giró, CEO of Destilerias MG in Spain who stood at the helm for the past two years.
Following his election during the General Assembly, he is assuming the role of President for a term of two years. Based in London, Ian McLernon has served Rémy Cointreau for over 6 years, previously as President & CEO of the Americas region based in New York, and as CEO of Global Travel Retail based in Singapore.
The new President will play a key role in helping to promote, protect and grow the European spirits sector in the EU and in third markets.
“In current times of geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, my main objective is to drive forward our sector’s ambitious roadmap and commitments in the areas of environmental sustainability, external trade, consumer information & digital labelling, product innovation, and responsible drinking,” said McLernon.
“Together with our members and the Secretariat, I look forward to working with our partners and interlocutors in the EU Institutions. Our goal is to ensure that EU policies structurally support our sector which contributes to economic growth and job creation throughout our value chain - from the production of agricultural raw materials to the hospitality and tourism - as well as to the social fabric of the local communities, source of undeniable pleasure and well-being."