Turkish business expert to lead Pernod Ricard Korea

Pending Pernod Ricard Korea CEO Fadil Tasgin / Courtesy of Pernod Ricard Korea

A Turkish sales and marketing expert will lead Pernod Ricard Korea starting Sept. 1.

The French liquor company’s Korean subsidiary said Monday that Fadil Tasgin, managing director of Pernod Ricard Philippines and Indonesia Cluster, will replace current Pernod Ricard Korea President and CEO Frantz Hotton.

Most of Tasgin’s predecessors, including Hotton, were French nationals.

The appointment of a Turkish CEO has drawn attention amid challenges facing the company, including the Korean whisky market's slow growth in the aftermath of high inflation.

Tasgin majored in business management at Middle East Technical University in Ankara and began his career at packaged goods company Unilever in 1995, working as an executive overseeing sales in Turkey.

He also led sales for food and beverage company Danone in Turkey from 2004 to 2012.

In 2012, Tasgin joined Pernod Ricard to oversee the company’s sales in Turkey.

After leading the liquor firm’s operations in Austria and the Philippines, he was appointed head of Pernod Ricard Philippines and Indonesia Cluster in 2023.

“I am well aware of the immense potential of the Korean market and the high expectations of Korean consumers," he said. "With Pernod Ricard’s strong portfolio of premium and prestige brands such as Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and Perrier-Jouët, I am committed to delivering tailored experiences that meet the tastes and needs of Korean consumers, and to driving the continued growth of Pernod Ricard Korea.”

Tasgin has already visited the company’s Seoul office.

Hotton, who has led Pernod Ricard Korea since 2021, has gone on summer vacation abroad with a plan to return to Seoul next month.