Stockholm, 10 October, 2012 Paul Duffy – new Chairman & CEO of The Absolut Company Paul Duffy has been appointed Chairman & CEO of The Absolut Company. The Absolut Company is responsible for the manufacturing and marketing of the Swedish success story ABSOLUT VODKA and other great brands such as Malibu and Kahlúa. Duffy succeeds Philippe Guettat, who has been appointed to another position within the Pernod Ricard Group. Paul Duffy previously served as CEO of Pernod Ricard USA. During his career within the Pernod Ricard Group, he has also held positions as CEO for Irish Distillers and CEO for Pernod Ricard UK. Duffy is originally from Ireland and started his career at KPMG in Dublin. “Leading the Absolut Company will be a great challenge,” says Duffy. “With my experience from the US, which is the biggest market for ABSOLUT VODKA, Malibu and Paul Duffy is replacing Philippe Kahlúa, I hope that I will be able to Guettat, who will be moving to a new contribute to the further success of position as CEO for Martell Mumm our brands there, as well as in the Perrier-Jouët within Pernod Ricard. rest of the world. Together with our Duffy began serving as CEO and team, I want to make sure that our Chairman of The Absolut Company global brand ideas are relevant to the in September 2012. local markets.” The Absolut Company has the worldwide responsibility for the production and marketing of ABSOLUT VODKA, MALIBU, KAHLÚA, Wyborowa, Luksusowa and Frïs. ABSOLUT VODKA is the world’s fourth largest premium spirits brand. Every bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA is produced in Åhus in southern Sweden. MALIBU is the number one coconut-flavoured rum in the world, sold in more than 150 countries. Kahlúa coffee liqueur is the world leader in its category. As of July 2008, The Absolut Company is a company within the Pernod Ricard group, which holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector. The head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden. “ABSOLUT has great possibilities for continued growth. Despite a challenging economic environment, we have managed to beat previous sales and this year sold 100 million liters of ABSOLUT VODKA. We will continue to be responsive in meeting consumer demand, both in terms of product development and new occasions for consumption,” says Duffy. The Absolut Company, with headquarters in Liljeholmen, Stockholm, has the global responsibility for several brands within the Pernod Ricard Group. The company is responsible for manufacturing and marketing ABSOLUT VODKA – the world's fourth largest international premium spirits brand. In 2011/2012, 100 million liters of ABSOLUT VODKA were sold in the world. For more information: Visit: www.theabsolutcompany.com or contact: Elin Wibell, Senior Manager Corporate Communications, The Absolut Company, +46 (0)70 190 10 41, elin.wibell@pernod- ricard.com The Absolut Company has the worldwide responsibility for the production and marketing of ABSOLUT VODKA, MALIBU, KAHLÚA, Wyborowa, Luksusowa and Frïs. ABSOLUT VODKA is the world’s fourth largest premium spirits brand. Every bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA is produced in Åhus in southern Sweden. MALIBU is the number one coconut-flavoured rum in the world, sold in more than 150 countries. Kahlúa coffee liqueur is the world leader in its category. As of July 2008, The Absolut Company is a company within the Pernod Ricard group, which holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector. The head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden. .