Absolut Vodka-maker Pernod Ricard’s India CEO steps down as a result of well being causes

Pernod Ricard’s India head, Thibault Cuny, has stepped down from his position as a result of well being causes, the French spirits large mentioned on Friday, marking a high-profile exit at a time the corporate is combating regulatory and authorized battles within the nation.

Cuny, who has been coping with well being issues for some years, will take a break from his skilled duties on medical recommendation, however will keep on with Pernod, the corporate mentioned in its assertion to Reuters.

Cuny took over because the managing director and CEO of Pernod Ricard South Asia in 2019 after serving as Pernod Ricard Brazil as president and CEO. He has been with the group on varied management roles for nearly twenty years.

His exit comes at a essential time for the Indian enterprise of Pernod, the maker of common manufacturers resembling Chivas Regal and Absolut vodka. The firm, which is embroiled in varied tax and authorized battles, is the second largest spirits participant in India the place it competes with the likes of Diageo.

Reuters reported final week Indian tax authorities, following an investigation, have demanded $244 million from Pernod India for undervaluing sure liquor imports for over a decade to keep away from full cost of federal duties. Pernod has challenged the demand in court docket.

The spirits maker has additionally been lobbying Indian authorities, together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s workplace, to resolve its long-standing tax disputes associated to liquor imports valuation, saying that they had “inhibited fresh investment” within the nation.

In the assertion, Pernod mentioned it has began the method to establish a brand new chief for the “next phase of its growth and transformation” in India.

In the interim, Philippe Guettat, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia, will take cost of Pernod Ricard South Asia, together with India, the corporate mentioned.