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On 15 November, spiritsEUROPE elected Ian McLernon as the new President of the organisation, succeeding Manu Giró, CEO of Destilerias MG in Spain who stood at the helm of the organisation for the past 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.
Following his election, Ian McLernon said it was a great honour and responsibility for him to take on the leadership of spiritsEUROPE and represent such an iconic sector with its global reputation for quality, innovation, and export success.
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. From farm to glass, spirits are an integral part of Europe’s culinary culture of quality, pleasure, and conviviality. Ian also saluted the legacy of his predecessor Manu Giró who successfully steered the organisation through the challenging circumstances of the past years.
In current times of geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, the main objectives of Iam mcLernon will be to drive forward the sector’s ambitious roadmap and commitments in the areas of environmental sustainability, external trade, consumer information & digital labelling, product innovation, and responsible drinking.
Together with the membership and the Secretariat, Ian is looking forward to working with our partners and interlocutors in the EU Institutions. He wants 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.
