Bacardi appoints new MD for Australia and New Zealand

Luiz Schmidt will take over as Managing Director of Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand after more than two years in Panama working as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A University of Technology MBA graduate and FMCG marketing specialist with over 20 years of international experience, Schmidt will lead Bacardi's sales, marketing, finance and supply chain functions, as well as expand the company's premium portfolio and market share in the region.

Vijay Subramaniam, Regional President for Asia, Middle East & Africa and Global Travel Retail at Bacardi, said Schmidt is uniquely qualified to take over as Managing Director as a dual Australian and Brazilian national with a wealth of experience.

"The appointment of Luiz Schmidt as our new Managing Director marks an exciting chapter for Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand," he said.

"Thanks to his extensive international experience leading both developed and emerging markets with the company and more broadly within the industry, Schmidt brings a deep and nuanced understanding of the global premium spirits market."

Schmidt said he's excited to return to Australia, where he'll be based with his family and take charge of a talented team across Australia and New Zealand.

"These markets are one of the most developed and attractive premium spirits markets in the world, offering Bacardi a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the growth of our iconic brands in close partnership with our customers and consumers," he said.

Bacardi is the world's largest privately held spirits company, and according to IWSR market share data, holds a leadership position across premium vodka, super premium tequila, premium gin and white rum globally.

Schmidt comes to the position with experience leading long-term marketing and business strategy in companies such as Brown-Forman and Edrington in Australia, USA, Brazil, Mexico and Latin America.

In his most recent role as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean, Schmidt successfully transformed the region's marketing and commercial execution functions and increased market share for brands including Patrón and Bombay Sapphire while co-led Bacardi ́s marketing transformation in Mexico, including the successful launch of Bacardi Mango Chile, which is now Mexico's leading flavoured spirit.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.