Hall of Fame

With a 27-year career in the wine and spirits industry spanning four continents, Jerome Cottin-Bizonne, currently the CEO of Pernod Ricard China, has demonstrated strong leadership in the industry, blending strategic acumen with cultural storytelling to shape iconic brands and forge new frontiers. Jerome began his journey in 1998 at Pernod Ricard in France. By 2003, he was steering transformative deals as finance director in the Republic of Korea, leading the Jinro-Ballantine’s merger during the market’s whisky zenith. Upon returning to headquarters in 2008, he led the €1-billion divestment of assets (including Wild Turkey and Tía María) to fund the acquisition of Vin & Sprits — a testament to his role as a dealmaker bridging east and west. Then as CEO of Havana Club International (2011) and later president of Pernod Ricard Northern LATAM (2017), Jerome reimagined legacy brands. He propelled Havana Club’s premium tier, revitalised Chivas Regal, and introduced a new mezcal brand as well as a Mexican whisky brand. Appointed managing director of Pernod Ricard China in 2021 and then CEO in 2023, Jerome is one of the key drivers behind the establishment ofthe Chuan, the first prestige Chinese whisky brand developed by an international spirits group­ — a project a decade in the making. He has been leading the brand’s continuous innovation and development. In 2026, Jerome led the team to push boundaries further with the Chuan Pure Malt Whisky Finished in Smoked Chinese Single Oak Cask. His leadership not only elevated Pernod Ricard’s portfolio but also positioned China as a rising force in the world’s whisky culture.