Pernod Ricard India chief Cuny quits on health grounds

Pernod Ricard's India and South Asia managing director Thibault Cuny has stepped down from his position due to health reasons, the French spirits and wine major said on Friday.

Philippe Guettat, chairman and chief executive of Pernod Ricard Asia, will hold the charge of Pernod Ricard South Asia, including India operations, in the interim till a successor for Cuny is found, the company said in a statement.

The maker of Chivas Regal Scotch and Absolut vodka said it has begun the process to identify a new head for Pernod Ricard India, and that a formal announcement regarding the appointment will be made in due course.


"Cuny has been dealing with health concerns over the past couple of years and his decision to take a break from his professional duties is based on medical advice," it said. "He will continue to be employed at Pernod Ricard."

The development comes at a time when Pernod Ricard is facing multiple regulatory and legal battles in the country.

A Reuters report had last week said the central government has demanded $244 million from the spirits maker for undervaluing key liquor imports for more than a decade to avoid full payment - an order Pernod Ricard has challenged.

Cuny took over as managing director of Pernod Ricard South Asia in 2019 and has been with the group in various leadership roles for almost two decades, the statement said.

Pernod Ricard, the world's second-largest wine and spirits company, makes Ballantine's, Blenders Pride and Royal Stag whisky among others. The India unit, a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard South Asia, operates through two distilleries in Maharashtra and Rajasthan.