Pernod Ricard Announces New VP of North America Manufacturing

Corby Spirit and Wine announces Melissa Hanesworth as new Vice-President of Production (CNW Group/Corby Spirit and Wine Communications)

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited —Pernod Ricard’s Canadian affiliate — has announced Melissa Hanesworth as the newly appointed VP of production, reporting to Patrick O’Driscoll, president and CEO of Corby. Also, Hanesworth was concurrently appointed as VP of North American manufacturing by Pernod Ricard North America.

The promotions were effective March 1.

She succeeds Stanski in both roles, who retired on February 28 after 24 years with the Pernod Ricard Group, and with whom Hanesworth has worked closely over the last two years.

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With over 16 years at the Pernod Ricard Group, Corby’s majority shareholder, Hanesworth most recently held the position of managing director of operations at Pernod Ricard USA, Inc.’s production facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which annually blends and bottles over 5 million cases of spirits, including Malibu rum and Kahlúa liqueur. Prior to joining Pernod Ricard in 2001, Hanesworth held other leadership positions in finance and accounting. She earned her B.Sc. degree at Arkansas State University, and her MBA degree at Louisiana State University.

In her new role, Hanesworth will take on responsibility for the historic Hiram Walker & Sons distillery and bottling facility in Windsor, Ontario, while continuing to lead the Fort Smith production facility. Corby manages the Windsor production facility for Pernod Ricard S.A. under the terms of certain agreements. 

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“Melissa has a wealth of experience in operations’ leadership, and I am confident that she will bring our manufacturing strategy to new heights in Canada and across the border,” says O’Driscoll. “I am delighted to welcome such a strong leader to Corby and look forward to the diversity of ideas and thinking that she will bring to the executive team.”

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