French spirits maker Pernod Ricard India’s MD, Paul-Robert Bouhier, has resigned from his position within a few months of his appointment. In a press release on Monday, the company announced that Jean Touboul would take over as the new Managing Director, effective from May 1, 2023.
The departure of Bouhier and the appointment of Touboul come at a time when Absolut Vodka maker, Pernod Ricard India, is facing regulatory challenges in the country.
As part of his new role, Touboul will be reporting to Philippe Guettat, the Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia.
“What I look forward the most in my new role, is to drive our many strategic priorities and the vast opportunities in a culturally diverse market that India is,” Touboul said on his appointment.
Before taking up the role in India, Touboul was the Managing Director of Pernod Ricard’s South-East Asia entity in Singapore. He has also served as the Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Korea and as the Managing Director for South-East Asia. It’s worth noting that Touboul began his journey with Pernod Ricard Europe in 2004 as a Financial Controller and Internal Auditor.
Pernod Ricard India, the liquor giant, has been grappling with significant regulatory challenges and allegations of earning profits illegally and flouting Delhi’s excise policy to gain a bigger market share. The company’s recent application to renew its liquor sale license was denied by the Delhi Excise department due to its supposed involvement in the Delhi Excise policy case.
