Pernod Ricard GTR's Laurent Pillet to succeed Mohit Lal as CEO
Laurent Pillet, currently Managing Director Pernod Ricard Eastern Europe, will take over as CEO of Global Travel Retail in September 2023
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail has announced the retirement of long-standing Chairman and CEO of Global Travel Retail Mohit Lal, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning 37 years in the corporate world.
Laurent Pillet, currently Managing Director Pernod Ricard Eastern Europe, will succeed Lal as CEO. He has a career spanning over 30 years across Sales, Marketing and General Management and 28 years at Pernod Ricard. In 2002, Pillet led the creation of Pernod Ricard Peru and Chile as Managing Director before becoming CEO of Pernod Ricard Andes. Pillet played a key role in developing Pernod Ricard Sub Saharan Africa before taking on the position as Managing Director Pernod Ricard United Kingdom. Pillet is currently Managing Director Pernod Ricard Eastern Europe.
Mohit Lal is set to retire as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail
Mohit Lal steered Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail through the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing employee wellbeing and becoming a key voice for the industry. Lal ensured the Pernod Ricard organization was well prepared for the rebound of the channel leveraging key insight and data through the understanding of traveler behavior and anticipating their needs in a post-COVID world.
Joining Pernod Ricard in 1999, Lal was appointed Managing Director of Asia Travel Retail in 2015 before ascending to Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail in 2016. Tasked with spearheading a new global entity and strategic roadmap, Lal united regions, driving efficiencies, supercharging growth, and building a new fit for purpose organization from scratch. With Lal at the helm, the new organization propelled Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail to the No.1 wine and spirits company in the channel.
“My 23 years at Pernod Ricard have been the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career, and a true highlight of my four decades in the corporate world," said Lal. "I have now chosen to step back from full-time employment to enter a new phase of my life that allows me to fulfil my bucket list that has had to stay dormant for a long time and be able to spend more time with family.
"I am confident I leave Global Travel Retail with a vibrant and secure future, and my successor Laurent Pillet will be supported by a truly exceptional team that will continue to drive success.”
