Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine Ltd (ADUK) announces the appointment of Richard Hayes as Managing Director of its culinary alcohol subsidiary Thomas Lowndes Ltd.

Currently acting Marketing Director pending the appointment of Cathryn Sleight from Britvic, Hayes' appointment builds on Allied Domecq's recent decision to recruit a global licensing agency signalling its desire to extend the brand consumer relationship beyond the drinking experience.

Well established in the UK as a premium supplier and innovator in the culinary alcohol market, Thomas Lowndes will, under Hayes' leadership, become a global liquid supplier and a launch pad for the extension of the groups brands into 'out of the bottle' experiences.

Chris Heath, Managing Director of ADUK comments "This is a further initiative to enrich consumers' experiences and so drive sustainable value growth for our customers and brands. The combination of the global licensing agency and Thomas Lowndes will allow our brands to create enjoyable consumer experiences beyond their traditional drinks formats.

I'm particularly pleased that Richard has accepted the challenge of leading this innovative and exciting business. He has a proven track record of identifying strategic opportunities and making them happen. Add his experience in both domestic and global brand consumer marketing and you have an individual ideally suited to lead Thomas Lowndes into a global future" continues Heath.

Joining ADUK in 1996 Hayes is a highly respected consumer marketeer with a strong track record of success across a number of key Allied Domecq brands, most notable of which has been his work on building consistent growth for the groups successful liqueur spirit Tia Maria. During his time at Allied Domecq Hayes has held a number of posts including International Brand Director for Tia Maria and Teacher's Scotch Whisky.

Prior to joining ADUK Hayes held sales and marketing roles at Kraft Jacob Suchard, The Gaymer Group, Nabisco and Courage Breweries.

Hayes inherits his new post from James Whittaker, who as Managing Director of Thomas Lowndes has over nine highly successful years built a strong platform from which to deliver future growth.

Heath comments "We are very grateful to James for the tremendous job he has done over the last nine years in building a Thomas Lowndes team and business. His diligence, passion and leadership have created a business that offers the group a significant avenue for incremental growth. James has expressed his desire to return to ADUK's wine business and we are currently exploring a number of options in that arena."

~ENDS~

Notes To Editors:

• The recruitment of a global licensing agency is underway. Allied Domecq will communicate this appointment and other related details on completion of this process in the usual way.
  
• Thomas Lowndes is a highly successful business and one that has shown consistent double-digit organic growth. They are also the only company in the UK offering top international spirit brands to the food industry.
  
• Thomas Lowndes has recently launched Tia Maria Wicked Chocolate Truffle Dessert into the UK premium adult dessert market. Available in Sainsbury's, Asda, Safeway, Somerfield, Morrisons and Budgens Other high profile branded food items include the successful Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry trifle, Connoisseur Xmas Pudding and Xmas Cake with Courvoisier VS Cognac and Liqueur Collection Chocolates with Tia Maria for M&S. (Full list available upon request).