Patrick Ricard's biography

Patrick Ricard

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It was in 1967 that Patrick Ricard joined the Ricard company, founded by his father Paul in 1932. He held successive positions in the company’s main departments, becoming Managing Director in 1972. With the creation of Pernod Ricard in 1975 he was appointed Group Managing Director and then, in 1978, Chairman and CEO.

He was the architect of the Group’s ambitious strategy of growth through acquisition, aimed at broadening the product range and accelerating the development of the international business. The strategy proved a resounding success, sales outside France now accounting for 90% of turnover as against 17% when the Group was formed.

Patrick Ricard’s acquisitions included Campbell Distillers in Scotland, Austin Nichols in the USA, Ramazzotti in Italy, Irish Distillers (bringing together all the producers of Irish whiskey) and Orlando Wyndham in Australia. It was also his decision to create Havana Club International in Cuba.

The pace picked up in 2000 with the acquisition of part of Seagram’s wine and spirit business, and again in 2005 with the buy-out of competitor Allied Domecq. In 2008, the Group continues his external growth with the acquisition of the Swedish Group Vin & Sprit. The Group adds several prestige brands to its portfolio, becomes a major player in the United States and reaches the rank as the world’s co-leader in Wines & Spirits.

Despite such exceptional growth, the Group’s guiding operational principle – decentralisation – has remained unchanged. Maintaining this management style throughout its acquisitions has helped new employees integrate quickly and empowered managers.

Since its formation, Pernod Ricard has doubled in size every seven years. This exemplary record led American magazine Fortune to name Patrick Ricard ‘European Businessman of the Year’ in 2006.

On 5 November 2008, Patrick Ricard has resigned his executive duties at the head of Pernod Ricard but remains Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

Born in 1945, Patrick Ricard is married with three children. His interests include hunting and opera. He has received numerous distinctions including that of the Commander of the Legion of Honour and Knight of the National Order of the Merit.