Bacardi announces changes to its European leadership team

Bacardi has appointed Amanda Almond to head up Iberia, while Vladimir Kazimirov will take over her role as managing director of the company’s UK business, effective from 1 May.

For the last six years, Almond has served as managing director of Bacardi’s business in the UK and Ireland. During this time, the company claims she has ‘transformed the way it partners with the on-trade across its portfolio of brands’.

Almond will utilise this experience as managing director of Bacardi Iberia, because opposite to the UK, on-trade reportedly represents 80% of spirits sales in Iberia.

Almond added: “Like many markets in Europe, Spain has been hit hard by the crisis. My first priority is to keep our team safe and to help our friends in the trade who need it most.

“It’s a strange way to leave the UK business but I’m incredibly proud of the team and everything we’ve achieved. Now it’s time for a new challenge and I’m excited to be moving to a market which is so different to the UK.”

Meanwhile, Vladimir Kazimirov will now serve as managing director of Bacardi UK & Ireland. Prior to this, Kazimirov has held the position of general manager at Bacardi Russia for three years.

Kazimirov joined Bacardi in Russia 15 years ago as a key account manager. He has since served as commercial director and general manager for the firm’s Poland and Baltics business.

“Some people may consider the market in Russia to be very different to the UK & Ireland, but fundamentally what delivers results in one will do the same in the other,” said Kazimirov.

“Even in challenging times for our industry, with a passionate team, lots of creative ideas, and an agile approach to getting things done you can achieve exceptional results. We will do more than our share to help our industry get through this and return to growth.”

Following the new appointments, both Almond and Kazimirov will report to Francis Debeuckelaere, regional president for Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

As soon as travel restrictions allow and offices reopen, Almond will relocate from the UK to Barcelona and Kazimirov will relocate from Moscow to Winchester.

In August last year, Bacardi appointed Tony Latham as chief financial officer and executive vice president.