ASLI TEKES APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR PERNOD RICARD MIDDLE EAST

Pernod Ricard has announced the appointment of Asli Tekeş, currently Global Revenue Growth Director, as Managing Director for its Middle East operations. A leader from Türkiye with a proven global track record, Tekeş is expected to bring vision and strategic leadership to the region, driving growth and strengthening brand presence.  

Pernod Ricard has confirmed the appointment of Asli Tekeş as Managing Director for its Middle East division, marking a significant leadership transition for the global spirits company. Tekeş, who has been serving as Global Revenue Growth Director, will now take on the responsibility of steering the group’s operations across a region that is both strategically important and culturally diverse.  

The appointment underscores Pernod Ricard’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in key markets, with the Middle East representing a dynamic hub for growth and brand expansion. Tekeş’s elevation to this role reflects her proven ability to deliver results on a global scale, as well as her capacity to adapt strategies to regional contexts.  

A leader from Türkiye, Tekeş has built a career distinguished by her ability to combine commercial acumen with a deep understanding of consumer behaviour. Her tenure as Global Revenue Growth Director has been marked by initiatives that enhanced profitability while ensuring sustainable brand development. This experience is expected to serve her well as she takes charge of a region where consumer preferences are evolving rapidly and where premiumisation continues to shape the market.  

The Middle East presents both opportunities and challenges for international companies. With its youthful demographics, growing tourism sector, and increasing appetite for luxury and lifestyle products, the region offers fertile ground for innovation and expansion. At the same time, navigating regulatory frameworks and cultural sensitivities requires nuanced leadership. Tekeş’s appointment signals Pernod Ricard’s confidence in her ability to balance these dynamics while driving forward the company’s ambitions.  

Industry observers note that Pernod Ricard has consistently invested in leadership talent to ensure its brands remain competitive in diverse markets. The company’s portfolio, which includes iconic names such as Chivas Regal, Absolut, and Jameson, relies on strong regional strategies to maintain global resonance. Tekeş’s new role will involve not only overseeing commercial performance but also fostering relationships with stakeholders and ensuring that the company’s values of conviviality and sustainability are embedded in its Middle Eastern operations.  

Her appointment also highlights the growing influence of leaders from Türkiye on the global business stage. Tekeş’s career trajectory reflects both her personal achievements and the broader recognition of Turkish executives in international corporate leadership. Pernod Ricard’s statement accompanying the announcement expressed confidence that she will guide the region’s success story with vision and leadership, wishing her every success in her new role.  

For Pernod Ricard, leadership appointments such as this are more than organisational changes; they are strategic moves designed to align global expertise with regional potential. As the company continues to expand its footprint in emerging markets, the Middle East stands out as a region where consumer sophistication and brand loyalty are increasingly intertwined.  

Asli Tekes’s appointment is therefore not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of Pernod Ricard’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leader in premium spirits worldwide. With her blend of global experience and regional insight, she is well placed to shape the next chapter of the company’s journey in the Middle East.