June 27/Purchase, NY/PRNewswire -- Pernod Ricard USA announced the appointment of Paul Duffy as chairman and CEO. He replaces Alain Barbet, who has been promoted to chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas. Both appointments were made by the group executive committee of parent company Pernod Ricard SA and were effective July 1, 2008.

Duffy most recently was CEO and chairman of the Pernod Ricard brand-owning company Irish Distillers, where he has overseen the successful development of the Irish business and of Jameson Irish Whiskey as one of the world's fastest-growing whiskey brands. He joined Pernod Ricard in 1994 and brings the relevant skills and track record to lead Pernod Ricard USA into its next phase of growth, following the recent acquisition of Vin & Sprit, including its iconic Absolut vodka brand. Duffy will be based in Purchase.

As chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas, Barbet will be responsible for all of Pernod Ricard's distributing companies in both North America and South America. Barbet joined Pernod Ricard in 1999, and his deep industry knowledge and experience will position him for success in his new role. Since assuming the leadership of Pernod Ricard USA in 2005, Barbet led the successful post-acquisition integration of the former Allied Domecq brands and employees and, during this time, Pernod Ricard USA spirits and wines recorded accelerated growth, with many brands outperforming their categories. Barbet will be based in Montreal, Canada. He replaces Michel Bord, who has been named deputy managing director, Pernod Ricard SA, in charge of the company's global distribution network.

From the July 7, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash