Jim Beam Brands (JBB) has announced the appointment of Adrian McKeon to the position of UK Managing Director following the group’s acquisition of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine (UK) Ltd.

Based at the company’s Horsham offices, McKeon will lead a UK business with a formidable portfolio of leading spirit brands, including Courvoisier^® cognac, Harveys Bristol Cream^®, Cockburn’s^® and Teacher’s^® scotch whisky.

Joining from Allied Domecq Wine (UK) where he was Managing Director, McKeon possesses an outstanding track record of success gained over a 20 year period with leading companies such as Gallo, Southcorp and Constellation Wines.  In his role as MD with Allied Domecq Wines McKeon lead the successful integration of the groups wine brands into a cohesive and efficient business and in doing so increased case sales by 44 per cent and earnings before income tax (EBIT) by 27 per cent.

“I am delighted to be joining Jim Beam Brands at a very exciting time in the company’s evolution and to being part of a team with an outstanding portfolio of brands many of which are the number one brand in their respective categories”, comments McKeon.  “The creation of Jim Beam UK offers us a unique opportunity to reassess our business practice with a view to achieving even greater success in the UK moving forward”, he concludes.

McKeon joins JBB UK on 1 November 2005.

ENDS

Notes:

1. Courvoisier Cognac is a registered trademark of Courvoisier S.A.S.
2. Harveys Bristol Cream, Cockburn’s Port and Teacher’s Scotch Whisky are registered trademarks of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine Ltd

For more information please contact:

Mark Hunt

Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants Ltd

Tel: 01453 811960  / 07768 145583 (M)