Rémy Cointreau appoints Grégory Leymarie as global managing director of emerging markets
Leymarie’s appointment strengthens Rémy Cointreau’s focus on high-growth markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
FRANCE – Rémy Cointreau has appointed former Pernod Ricard Africa chief executive Grégory Leymarie to the newly created position of global managing director of emerging markets as the French spirits group intensifies its focus on faster-growing regions.
Based in Dubai, Leymarie will oversee the company’s strategy across Africa, the Middle East and India (AMEI), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Asia as Rémy Cointreau seeks to expand its international presence.
The company said the appointment reflects the growing importance of emerging economies within its long-term growth strategy.
“Emerging markets offer a fantastic growth potential, and it is a strategic area of focus for the group,” said Ian McLernon, Rémy Cointreau’s group chief markets officer.
He added: “Grégory’s strong credentials and experience will undoubtedly enhance our ability to build our brands for the longer term and grow faster across these countries.”
Leymarie joins Rémy Cointreau after serving as managing director of Groupe Thunevin Wines, a position he has held since October 2022. Before that, he spent more than a decade at Pernod Ricard, including almost four years as chief executive officer of the company’s African operations.
His previous roles also include serving as AMEI regional director at DGB and co-founding Domaine de la Part des Anges in Saint-Émilion.
Commenting on his appointment, Leymarie said: “I am proud to join the Rémy Cointreau group and I am looking forward to leading and delivering an impactful emerging markets business strategy with the teams, in order to reach our target.”
The announcement comes shortly after Rémy Cointreau reported first-quarter sales growth for the 2026/27 financial year. Revenue increased by 1.3% to €223.2 million (US$255.6 million) during the period.
The group’s Cognac division delivered one of the strongest performances, with organic growth of 7.7%, generating sales of €141.9 million (US$162.5 million). The company attributed the increase largely to strong demand across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in markets outside China.
Rémy Cointreau also reported growth of more than 12% during China’s annual 618 online shopping festival. Meanwhile, Europe, the Middle East and Africa recorded low- to mid-single-digit growth, supported by improved sales in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead, the company said it expects to return to sustainable organic sales growth during the current financial year while achieving a slight improvement in operating margins despite higher customs duties.
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