Bacardi Australia appoints Luiz Schmidt as new MD
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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 has 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.
Questions & Answers
Q.What responsibilities will Luiz Schmidt have in his new role as Managing Director for Bacardi?
What responsibilities will Luiz Schmidt have in his new role as Managing Director for Bacardi?
He will be in charge of leading Bacardi’s sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain functions. He is also tasked with expanding the company’s premium portfolio and increasing market share in the Australian and New Zealand region.
Q.What experience does Luiz Schmidt have that qualifies him for this position?
What experience does Luiz Schmidt have that qualifies him for this position?
Schmidt has over 20 years of international FMCG marketing experience, including previous roles with Brown-Forman and Edrington. He recently served as Bacardi's Regional Marketing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, boosting market share for brands like Patrón and Bombay Sapphire.
Q.Where was Luiz Schmidt working immediately before this new appointment with Bacardi?
Where was Luiz Schmidt working immediately before this new appointment with Bacardi?
Before taking on the Managing Director role in Australia and New Zealand, Luiz Schmidt was based in Panama. He worked there as the Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi across Latin America and the Caribbean for over two years.
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