Vinay Golikeri has been with Bacardi for 16 years.

Bacardi Global Travel Retail (GTR) has promoted Vinay Golikeri to Managing Director, Global Travel Retail. Golikeri takes over from Mike Birch, who took on additional responsibilities as Vice President Digital Commerce in spring 2018.

Having managed that role while leading the GTR business, Birch will concentrate solely on Bacardi’s digital commerce business.

Based in Dubai, Golikeri reports to Maurice Doyle, President — Incubation Brands and Global Commercial Development, who has over 19 years’ experience with Bacardi.

Golikeri has been with Bacardi for over 16 years, starting in India followed by various marketing and commercial roles.

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION

Since 2011, he has been on the Bacardi Global Travel Retail leadership team, initially as Marketing Director where he contributed to a significant pipeline of product innovation and a step-change in shopper engagement.

Mike Birch will concentrate solely on Bacardi’s digital commerce business.

In 2016, he became Regional Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail —Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, achieving strong performance underpinned by insight and understanding of emerging market travellers. He subsequently took on global responsibility as Commercial Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail.

Doyle commented: “Mike’s tenure in Global Travel Retail is something we are very proud of, for his partnership approach in delivering sustained growth of our business coupled with impactful traveller engagement plans. We wish Mike every success in his new role.

“Over the past 18 months, as Commercial Director GTR, Vinay has worked very closely with Mike and me to make this planned transition. I’m confident that with Vinay’s experience and leadership, Bacardi will reinforce our consistent commitment and partnership approach in GTR.

“Vinay brings a blend of commercial, operational and marketing acumen coupled with a passion for creating win-win relationships.’’

Golikeri added: “I would like to thank Mike for his immense contribution to Bacardi Global Travel Retail. GTR is an incredibly exciting and dynamic opportunity with a unique commercial and brand-building focus.

“Bacardi has a strong commitment to GTR and the perfect portfolio for the international traveller. It is a real privilege to lead the highly talented and experienced team at Bacardi GTR.

“I look forward to continue working together with our retail partners to deliver world-class plans and mutual success.’’