Bacardi appoints new senior vice president

Bacardi has announced KC Kavanagh as its senior vice president and global chief communications officer. Kavanagh reports to Mike Dolan, chief executive officer of Bacardi, and she serves on the global leadership team.

Kavanagh will work with Dolan and chairman Facundo L Bacardi to develop strategic internal and external corporate communications to support the family-owned company’s efforts to drive growth globally. She will also collaborate with the company’s brand marketing teams to develop integrated public relations campaigns, social media strategies and content marketing programs for the portfolio of iconic brands. In addition, Kavanagh will oversee the company’s corporate and brand archives ensuring the preservation of legacies, management of assets, and protection of brand trademarks.

Dolan says: “We are delighted to welcome KC to the Bacardi team. Her significant corporate and global experience, coupled with her success in launching and nurturing luxury, lifestyle and next generation brands, dovetails perfectly with our efforts to innovatively market our brands and cultivate meaningful relationships with our consumers around the globe.”

Kavanagh joins Bacardi from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, where she was a member of the company’s senior leadership team and led global communications for the hotel giant and its 11 brands including Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis and W Hotels. During her 18-year tenure at Starwood, Kavanagh and her team established Starwood’s reputation as a brand-led, innovative powerhouse, and she recently served as a member of the company’s deal and integration team during Starwood’s merger with Marriott International. Prior to Starwood, Kavanagh oversaw public relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Kavanagh adds: “I am honored to join a company with such vibrant brands, tremendous global breadth and a storied family history that has inspired a culture of entrepreneurship and pride. I look forward to working with our team to creatively bring our stories and lore to life across many dynamic platforms.”

Kavanagh succeeds Jim Gallagher who has decided to step down from his position at year-end. She will be based at the Company’s global headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda.

12 December 2016 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editorial assistant