Spirits company best known for Jose Cuervo, Bushmills whiskey and the Kraken rum, Proximo is announcing key appointments to its Global Travel Retail business, following the departure of division director, David Phelan.

Phelan left the business in February 2020 to ‘pursue personal projects’, said Proximo.

From 1 March 2020, Michael Cockram, who is currently Marketing Director EMEA & APAC at Proximo Spirits, will become Marketing and Global Travel Retail Director.

Cockram joined Proximo in 2019 from Beam Suntory, where following various global marketing roles he was Marketing Director within its newly formed Global Travel Retail business unit. He previously held various marketing and commercial roles with Allied Domecq and William Grant & Sons.

ROY SUMMERS NEW HEAD OF GTR

With effect from the same date, Roy Summers, who is currently UK Sales Director at Proximo UK, will join the team as Head of Global Travel Retail. Summers who has held roles at Proximo since 2016, also previously worked at William Grant & Sons, Edrington-Beam Suntory UK and Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Bushmills is one of few distilleries in Ireland to use 100% malted barley to make triple-distilled whiskey, insists Proximo.

“I am delighted to be taking on the leadership of our Global Travel Retail business at such an exciting time for the sector,” said Cockram.

“We are committed to bringing premium products and exciting experiences to our customers in travel retail and to showing our partners how we think differently as a company.

“Innovation lies at the heart of our ethos and values at Proximo, so we’re always looking for ways to demonstrate our creativity.

GROWING VALUE AND SCALE OF PRESENCE IN GTR

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Roy to create new ways to introduce our brands and deliver value and excitement to travellers across the globe to give them a special shopping experience they can’t find in their domestic markets.”

Gordon Dron, Managing Director of Proximo EMEA APAC, said: “These team changes are happening at an exciting time for our Global Travel Retail business, as we continue to introduce new products and experiences to meet the world’s changing tastes in memorable and innovative ways.

“Michael and Roy are already valued members of the Proximo team and we’re delighted to welcome them to our Global Travel Retail team. With their extensive combined experience, they will lead further opportunities for us to grow the value and scale of our presence in the channel.

“I would also like to sincerely thank David Phelan for all his efforts and commitment to our business over the years, and to wish him well in his future ventures. During his tenure, our Global Travel Retail business has delivered strong growth and significant visibility for our brands in key global hubs.”