The head of Rémy Cointreau has delivered on his strategic-refresh pledge made just over three months ago, creating a new, higher-end business unit.
In late November, Franck Marilly, who joined the wine & spirits group as CEO in June, warned that Rémy Cointreau was in need of a “challenge [to] the way we think and operate”. Among the five areas identified by Marilly to “regain agility and drive performance” were “adapting our organisation” and “sharpening our value-driven strategy”.
Today (11 March), the company announced the formation of a ‘Prestige Division’ to oversee its Louis XIII cognac and Telmont champagne brands, along with the Maison Psyché line of five cognac-inspired fragrances that was launched in April 2023. Heading up the unit will be Ludovic du Plessis (below), the current president of Telmont.
Du Plessis started with Rémy Cointreau in late 2014 as global executive director for Louis XIII. When the group acquired Telmont in October 2020, he was appointed as the lead for the champagne business.
Du Plessis, who had spent almost 11 years with Moët Hennessy – also on the champagne side – prior to joining Rémy Cointreau, will assume a position on the executive committee alongside his promotion.
“This division has to be at the forefront of luxury trends and aims to drive new business opportunities, with boldness and the highest standards of luxury knowledge,” said Marilly. “I am convinced the experience and vision of Ludovic, nourished by more than 25 years of expertise in the luxury wines and spirits industry, will be key assets to achieve this ambition.”
In results from the nine months to the end of December, reported in late January, Rémy Cointreau booked a near-2% decline in year-on-year sales. The company’s financial year runs until the end of March.
