Robert Furniss-Roe Appointment Shows Strong, Consistent Leadership in Bacardi

12/07/2011 — HAMILTON, Bermuda — (BUSINESS WIRE)

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announces the appointment of Robert Furniss-Roe as President of Bacardi North America, with responsibility for leading all operations in the region for its internationally known portfolio of premium spirits. Mr. Furniss-Roe succeeds John P. Esposito, who recently announced his planned retirement.

Robert Furniss-Roe, President of Bacardi North America. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Robert has consistently shown his strong leadership and success in driving our business over the twenty years he has been with Bacardi,” said Séamus McBride, President and CEO of Bacardi Limited. “Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, deep understanding of our Company and entrepreneurial spirit in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in the North America region.”

Mr. Furniss-Roe will be based in the Company’s Americas Headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

“Bacardi North America is a dynamic region with committed and passionate employees and an outstanding portfolio of iconic brands. As our largest market, we have tremendous opportunities to grow our business and value share,” said Mr. Furniss-Roe. “I am excited to lead the team to further strengthen our business in this critical region.”

Mr. Furniss-Roe most recently served as Regional President of Latin America and Vice President of Global Sales.

Since joining the Company in 1989, he has held a variety of marketing and executive management positions around the world, including in the US and other mature and emerging markets. Among his many achievements he drove rapid growth in Russia, developed business in new markets such as India, and led global brand marketing strategies for a number of the Company’s leading brands.

Previously, he served as Bacardi Limited Chief of Staff; Vice President of Corporate Responsibility; Interim Regional President of Europe; Area Director for Russia/CIS/Poland; Vice President of Global Marketing; Area Director for Asia-Pacific; and in senior Marketing roles in Asia, France and the United States. Prior to joining Bacardi, Mr. Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal.

Mr. Esposito joined Bacardi in May of 2006, and has had a remarkable 25 plus year career in the spirits and wine industry. “We thank John for his drive, energy and commitment to Bacardi and the US spirits industry as a whole and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement,” said Mr. McBride.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited is the largest privately held spirits company in the world and produces and markets a variety of internationally-recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio consists of more than 200 brands and labels, including some of the world’s favorite and best-known products: BACARDI® rum, the world’s favorite premium rum and world’s most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Scotch whisky, the top-selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the world; MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, the world-leader in vermouth; CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in Mexico and a top-selling premium tequila in the United States; and other leading brands.

Family-owned Bacardi was founded in Santiago de Cuba, February 4, 1862, and currently employs more than 6,000 people, manufactures its brands at 27 facilities in 16 countries on four continents, and sells in more than 100 markets globally. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.bacardilimited.com

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A. Inc., is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States and other leading and emerging brands. www.bacardiusa.com

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CONTACT:

For Bacardi LimitedAmy Federman, 1 441-294-1110afederman@bacardi.comorPatricia M. Neal, 1 441-294-1110

KEYWORDS:   United States  Bermuda  Europe  North America  Caribbean  Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Restaurant/Bar  Retail  Food/Beverage  Specialty  Wine & Spirits  Other Retail

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Robert Furniss-Roe, President of Bacardi North America. (Photo: Business Wire)

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John Esposito (Photo: Business Wire)