Bacardi Lion recruits from within to replace long-standing marketing chief

Bacardi Lion has promoted Kristie Asciak to head up its marketing to replace long-standing executive Suzie MacDermott who has quit after an 11-year career with the company, Mumbrella can reveal.

MacDermott spent the last eight years as marketing director, having joined as knowledge manager in 2003 before being promoted to sales and marketing planning manager a year later.

Her departure led to a minor restructure with Asciak, the former marketing manager of activation and digital, taking the role of head of marketing.

Bacardi Lion is a joint venture between international drinks firm Bacardi and Australian brewer Lion, looking after the full Bacardi stable, as well, as brands like Grand Marnier, Grey Goose vodka, Bulmers cider and Bombay Sapphire.

“After looking externally and across the Lion and Bacardi organisations I am delighted that we were able to fill the role internally,” Bacardi Lion managing director Denis Brown said.

He paid tribute to MacDermott, saying she had decided to move on after “11 years of dedication to the Bacardi Lion business and brands”.

“During her 11 years and three roles within Bacardi Lion, Suzie has seen the profitability of the business move from break even to what it is today,” Brown said.

Steve Jones