Travel retail veteran Kevin Baker has been named Global Travel Retail Director of Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits. The former Belvedere Group, which went through a complete restructuring of its business during 2014, is embarking on a new ‘BIG 2018’ strategy (Back In the Game) this year.
Baker’s role is to develop and establish a Travel Retail business for MBWS by creating and implementing a channel strategy aligned to the strategy. He will also manage the Middle East region.
The company has a strong portfolio of both established and innovative brands including Cognac Gautier, Sobieski Estate Vodka, Marie Brizard Liqueurs, and the recently launched SHOTKA.
Baker brings a long and distinguished 30-plus-year track record to Marie Brizard with huge experience on travel retail brands, distribution and retail.
Best known for his 20 year experience of sales and marketing with Brown-Forman and Diageo, he most recently was Global Head of Liquor and Head of Category Europe for Liquor, Tobacco & Technology for The Nuance Group based in Zürich.
Before this, he was also a director at World of Patria International.
“Joining Marie Brizard in this very exciting period for the group is a tremendous opportunity for me to exercise all the skills I have gained over the last 30 years – many of which have been in travel retail. I am very much looking forward to taking on the challenge and catching up with old friends, colleagues and sparring partners (!) in Cannes, next month,” commented Baker.
