Hamilton: , the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announces the appointment of Robert Furniss-Roe as President of Bacardi North America, with responsibility for leading all operations in the region for its internationally known portfolio of premium spirits.  Mr. Furniss-Roe succeeds John P. Esposito, who recently announced his planned retirement.

“Robert has consistently shown his strong leadership and success in driving our business over the twenty years he has been with Bacardi,” said Séamus McBride, President and CEO of Bacardi Limited. “Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, deep understanding of our Company and entrepreneurial spirit in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in the North America region.”

Mr. Furniss-Roe will be based in the Company’s Americas Headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

“Bacardi North America is a dynamic region with committed and passionate employees and an outstanding portfolio of iconic brands.  As our largest market, we have tremendous opportunities to grow our business and value share,” said Mr. Furniss-Roe. “I am excited to lead the team to further strengthen our business in this critical region.”

Mr. Furniss-Roe most recently served as Regional President of Latin America and Vice President of Global Sales.

Since joining the Company in 1989, he has held a variety of marketing and executive management positions around the world, including in the US and other mature and emerging markets.  Among his many achievements he drove rapid growth in Russia, developed business in new markets such as India, and led global brand marketing strategies for a number of the Company’s leading brands.

Previously, he served as Bacardi Limited Chief of Staff; Vice President of Corporate Responsibility; Interim Regional President of Europe; Area Director for Russia/CIS/Poland; Vice President of Global Marketing; Area Director for Asia-Pacific; and in senior Marketing roles in Asia, France and the United States.  Prior to joining Bacardi, Mr. Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal.

Mr. Esposito joined Bacardi in May of 2006, and has had a   remarkable 25 plus year career in the spirits and wine industry. “We thank John for his drive, energy and commitment to Bacardi and the US spirits industry as a whole and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement,” said Mr. McBride.