Ararat bottling plant

Our Management

Aurélie Kane

Aurélie Kane – Communications and Corporate Affairs Director  

Following eight years of consultancy experience, Aurélie joined Pernod Ricard UK as Head of Corporate Communications in 2006, shortly after Pernod Ricard had just completed one of its biggest acquisitions to date – the £7.4bn takeover of Allied Domecq, which added blockbuster brands Beefeater, Malibu and Perrier-Jouët to its line-up.

Since joining Pernod Ricard, the role has evolved significantly to cover the full spectrum of Communications and Aurelie subsequently joined the UK Executive Committee in 2016. Her responsibilities include: Sustainability and Responsibility, internal communications and change management, global communications for our international portfolio of gin brands, as well as corporate, trade and consumer communications for the company’s full portfolio of premium wine, spirits and champagnes. In 2023, Aurelie expanded her scope as Communications, S&R and Public Affairs Director of the new Northern Europe Management Entity in addition to her current responsibilities.

Favourite cocktail at home: Beefeater Blood Orange & Tonic, perfect, whatever the weather! 

Favourite bar: my local pub in South West London, which serves our full range of Gins, or Scarfes Bar in the Rosewood Hotel

Favourite moment of conviviality: a family dinner

Ian Peart

Ian Peart – Commercial Director

Ian began a career in the drinks industry straight out of university, holding a variety of sales roles during a 13-year stint at Diageo. Joining Pernod Ricard UK in 2006 as Field Sales Director, he has since held several positions in the Commercial team, including: Field Sales Controller, Business Unit Controller – Grocery and Channel Director, On-Trade.

Taking on a newly created role of Business Development Director in 2017, Ian was responsible for identifying, developing and accelerating growth opportunities for Pernod Ricard in the UK, including the launch of the Group’s first non-alcoholic offering, CEDER’S. Following 14 years at Pernod Ricard UK, in 2020 Ian was welcomed onto the UK Executive Committee in his current role as Commercial Director.  

Favourite cocktail at home: Espresso Martini with Absolut and Kahlúa

Favourite bar: The Nag’s Head, Little Hadham, or Mojo in Leeds for a big night out

Favourite moment of conviviality: going to the pub with friends and family 

Leanne Banks

Leanne Banks – Marketing Director

Following a successful start in the industry gaining experience within category and consumer insights at Maxxium, Leanne went onto lead the insight and category agenda for Allied Domecq’s wine division before it was subsequently bought by Pernod Ricard. In 2005, Leanne joined Pernod Ricard UK and progressed her marketing career working across the Malibu and Havana Club brands. After three years, Leanne moved to LVMH and held several roles within the UK and global divisions as Marketing Director before going onto become Global Communications Director, where she relocated to New York. Moving back to the UK in 2017, Leanne held roles at Bacardi as European Brand Director, before moving into the luxury lifestyle sector as GM Brand & Marketing for jewellery business, Monica Vinader.

Leanne returned to Pernod Ricard UK in 2021 to take up her current position as Marketing Director and is responsible for driving the marketing strategy for the business. Putting consumers at the heart of all campaigns and creativity in execution is something Leanne passionately believes in to build long-term brand equity. There are a few key areas of focus for Leanne and her team: using consumer insights and trends to deliver innovation, digital transformation, accelerating eCommerce as a channel and aligning with the Group roadmap to become a data-driven business, brand-in-hand opportunities as an integral part of delivering our consumer-centric agenda, as well as driving the Sustainability & Responsibility agenda for all brands.

Favourite cocktail at home: A chilled dry martini with Plymouth. Stirred not shaken!

Favourite bar: The Canny Man’s in Edinburgh, a cosy and quintessential pub

Favourite moment of conviviality: Dinner parties with friends and ending the evening with some kitchen dancing

Pam Rowan

Pam Rowan – HR Director

Building a strong career in HR during a 10-year stint at two of the UK’s leading FMCG companies, Procter & Gamble and United Biscuits, Pam joined Pernod Ricard UK as HR Director in 2004. In this time, the role has evolved to cover both the UK domestic market and The Gin Hub. During her time at the helm, Pam has been committed to ensuring Pernod Ricard UK is truly a great and inclusive place to work and an inclusive environment for all, by supporting the global strategy of blending performance with conviviality.

Pam oversees the company’s ‘Better Balance’ programme, which provides extensive resources on Mental Health, includes passionate Diversity & Inclusion champions to drive positive change across the business and continually seek to close the gender pay gap, as well as a range of activities to support colleagues in adopting a healthier lifestyle.

It’s not just about the current workforce, Pam is a strong believer in supporting the next generation of Créateurs de Convivialité through the Pernod Ricard UK Bright Futures programme, which has grown rapidly under Pam’s leadership to be included in the prestigious Rate My Placement Top Undergraduate Employers Table 2020 for the fifth year running, as well as to now include apprenticeships.

Favourite cocktail at home: a Plymouth Gin Bramble

Favourite bar: Sexy Fish in London and Efes in Little Chalfont

Favourite moment of conviviality: Throwing parties at home

Richard Preston – Strategy & Transformation Director  

Richard joined Pernod Ricard UK in 2017 as Revenue Growth Management Controller, before progressing to Head of Commercial Transformation. He took on the role of Strategy & Transformation Director in 2022, in which he leads a team of specialists covering Consumer & Shopper Insight, Category Management, RGM, Field Sales Planning and the Transformation Office. Richard and his team also work closely with HQ and EMEA on Group Transform and Accelerate projects to ensure Pernod Ricard UK is leveraging the power of PR Group thinking and, as a major market, giving input and insight to the Group roadmap.

Richard started his career at Kantar Worldpanel, before moving to Mars Confectionery to manage category development for various top grocers, and then to Coca-Cola European Partners to lead on revenue growth management. In 2023, Richard also became Transformation Director of the new Northern Europe Management Entity in addition to his current responsibilities.

Favourite cocktail at home: Can’t beat a good Manhattan

Favourite bar: Swift in Soho – the best Irish Coffee in the world!

Favourite moment of conviviality: A Lillet Spritz in a pub garden with friends on a sunny day

Julia Massies

Julia Massies

Julia Massies – Managing Director

Julia joined Pernod Ricard in 2001 as Business Development Manager, after five years of consulting experience in the UK, Brazil and France. She has since held various senior finance roles in Pernod Ricard UK and at Pernod Ricard HQ as VP, Financial Communication and Investor Relations, before being promoted to CFO of Pernod Ricard EMEA & LATAM in 2021. Recently appointed as Managing Director for Pernod Ricard UK, returning to the business after almost 10 years, Julia is committed to winning in market while delivering ambitious digital transformation, diversity and environmental roadmaps. 

Favourite cocktail at home: White Chocolate Martini 

Favourite moment of conviviality: a lively party with friends or just a mellow day at home with the family, cooking and reading.