Pernod Ricard launches its first employee share ownership plan, marking a new stage in its development
Pernod Ricard launches its first employee share ownership plan, marking a new stage in its development
April 26, 2019 – From 29 April 2019, Pernod Ricard employees will have the opportunity to take part in their first share ownership plan, involving 18 countries and representing 75% of the Group’s workforce. This plan is the result of preparatory work carried out for almost a year by Group Headquarters and teams from the 18 eligible markets, and it was formally approved by the Board of Directors on 17 October 2018. All beneficiaries will be able to purchase Pernod Ricard shares under favourable terms as part of the Group Savings Plan (GSP) and an International Group Savings Plan (IGSP). For further details, please refer to the regulatory communication attached to this press release.
This scheme, called “Accelerate”, is in line with the 3-year strategic plan “Transform & Accelerate”, focused on investing for sustainable and profitable long-term growth for all its stakeholders, beginning with its employees. This inaugural employee share ownership plan is considered to be an inflexion point in the new Human Resources strategy currently being rolled out, as reflected by recently announced initiatives, such as the launch of a new leadership model, the global roll-out of the HR Workday solution and all the managerial initiatives covered by the 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap. With all these projects, the Group is reaffirming the mindset that drives its 19,000 “Créateurs de Convivialité”, whose commitment continues to grow. 90% of them state they “understand and adhere to the Group’s objectives” with 94% saying they are “proud to be part of Pernod Ricard” (I Say Study, June 2017, conducted by Willis Towers Watson).
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO, said, “Our growth has already reached a certain level and the aim of our three-year Transform & Accelerate plan is to take us further and faster on our way to leadership. This ambition cannot be achieved without fully associating our employees, as they are the driving force behind this growth. Over 50 years ago our founder, Paul Ricard, was a pioneer in the field, offering Ricard employees innovative profit sharing and company savings plans. We are delighted to maintain this culture, which places the concept of sharing at the heart of our model and our performance”.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
SOURCE: Pernod Ricard