New GTR director for Disaronno and Tia Maria

Italian spirit company Illva Saronno, owner of Disaronno and Tia Maria brands, has appointed of Martin Howey as global travel retail director with immediate effect.

Highly experienced and respected within the spirits and travel retail industry, Martin joins Illva Saronno from Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) where he was GTR director, responsible for international brand development and revenue growth.

During his career Martin has gained an extensive International perspective with experience of working across different nationalities of consumers, having being involved in the diverse markets of Asia, Americas, Gulf, South Africa, Australia and GTR.

Martin's remit is to strengthen Illva Saronno's travel retail strategy, focusing on its brands Disaronno and Tia Maria, but equally looking for opportunities for other products within the portfolio. Disaronno and Tia Maria have long been established in travel retail but it is only during the past two years that the company has actively focused on this category. Illva Saronno believes there is tremendous potential that Martin Howey is well equipped to develop and build, thanks to his incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for the travel retail business.

Adds Martin: “I am delighted to be on board and greatly look forward to working with the team and our customers in developing a long term strategic plan for our brands in this dynamic and evolving channel.”

Martin will be present at the Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando this week on the Webb booth (923) where he is looking forward to meeting old friends and making new contacts.

23 March 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor