Bacardi has appointed Amanda Almond to position of managing director for Northern Europe and has also appointed a new business unit director for the UK & Ireland.

Most recently served Almond served as managing director for Bacardi in Iberia and Greece, growing the company’s market share in Spain.

Almond was previously MD for Bacardi in the UK and Ireland, with the group reporting year-on-year growth for five consecutive years.

Almond said: “In the four years I’ve been away from the UK, the industry has changed more than anyone could imagine.

“What’s not changed is the value of our portfolio. We have premium brands that consumers recognise for their quality and continue to demand however challenging the economic climate.”

She will be responsible for the total Bacardi business in Northern European markets such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Nordics.

As a result, Steve Young will head-up the company’s UK & Ireland commercial operations, driving growth for brands that include Bacardi rum, Martini, Bombay Sapphire Grey Goose and more.

“My experience of working across Europe means I know better than ever what a tough and competitive market we have in the UK,” he said.

Young added: “Where Bacardi has an advantage is our family ownership. It’s allowed us to look beyond the next quarter or the next fiscal year and instead develop long-term partnerships with key customers. We value these relationships more than ever, and I’m committed to making them even stronger as we grow our businesses together.”