Conor McQuaid

About Conor McQuaid

Conor McQuaid is an international executive in the spirits industry and currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, while also sitting on Pernod Ricard’s Executive Committee. Since January 2024, he has been responsible for the Group’s North American business, based in New York. His appointment reflects a long career inside Pernod Ricard, where he has built deep expertise across brands, markets, and corporate functions. McQuaid began his career in Ireland with Golden Vale Group plc before joining Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard in 1998. He holds a degree in International Marketing and Spanish from Dublin City University and the University of Seville, a background that has supported his international profile and commercial outlook. Over the years, he has held a series of senior roles of increasing responsibility, giving him broad exposure to marketing, sales, brand development, and general management. In 2005, he became Global Brand Development Director at Irish Distillers and joined the Irish Distillers Executive Committee, marking an important step in his leadership path. In 2011, he was appointed Managing Director of Pernod Ricard South Africa, where he gained further experience leading a market business in a diverse and competitive environment. Three years later, in 2014, he moved into a group-level role as EVP Global Business Development, strengthening his strategic perspective on growth, portfolio management, and business development across the Group. In 2018, McQuaid was appointed Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, where he oversaw the continued global success of the business and placed particular emphasis on the growth of the Irish whiskey portfolio led by Jameson. His leadership of Irish Distillers helped reinforce Pernod Ricard’s position in a key category and major international brand platform. Since 2022, he had served as Executive Vice President for Sustainability & Responsibility, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, expanding his remit to include reputation, ESG, and external engagement. McQuaid is widely viewed as a seasoned Pernod Ricard leader with a rare combination of operational depth and strategic breadth. His career demonstrates strong execution, international management experience, and a solid understanding of premium brand-building in global markets.