Goodbye Mister Ricard

Tribute France
Goodbye Mister Ricard

Patrick Ricard, emblematic Chairman
of the French wine and spirit group
Pernod Ricard, passed away suddenly
on last August 17th at the age of 67.

Patrick Ricard was the son of Paul Ricard, inventor of the mythical pastis of Marseille. He joined the family company in 1967 where he held various positions in the main functions of the firm. During the surprise merger with Pernod in 1975, Patrick Ricard was appointed General Manager of the Group, and, in 1978, Chairman. During 30 years, he knew how to diversify and internationalize the group while ensuring its brand portfolio to move upmarket. In November, 2008, he had given up the executive management of the empire— whose Ricard family still owns 14% of the capital— to his right-hand man Pierre Pringuet.

Married with three children, Patrick Ricard wished a Ricard succeeds him one day. After his death, the wine and spirit group reorganizes its managing team and informs that Alexandre Ricard will become the Chairman in 2015.
Danièle Ricard is going to replace her brother in the presidency of the board of directors. CEO of Paul Ricard SA until 2004, she became Chairwoman of the management board in 2005. “As president of the board of directors, I want to reaffirm the commitment of the family Ricard in the pursuit of the strategy and development of the group” she declared after her appointment.
Pierre Pringuet remains General Manager and also takes in charge the Vice-chairmanship of the board of directors. Alexandre Ricard becomes Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
Dominique Peyral-Bon