Jim Clerkin Appointed CEO of Moet Hennessy USA

NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet Hennessy, the Wines and Spirits group of LVMH, announced today the appointment of Jim Clerkin as President and CEO of Moet Hennessy USA, effective December 1st, 2010.

Mr. Clerkin has a wealth of international and U.S. experience accumulated over his 30 years in the alcohol beverage industry.  He joined Moet Hennessy USA in June 2008 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), with responsibility for global brands which include Hennessy cognac, Moet & Chandon Champagne, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Grand Marnier and Belvedere vodka.  Prior to joining Moet Hennessy, he had roles of increasing responsibilities within the Guinness Group, including serving as Managing Director of Gilbeys of Ireland for five years, as President of Diageo North America's Western Division, and as President of Allied Domecq North America from 2003 until 2006.  From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Clerkin was President of Beam Global Spirits & Wines, with responsibility for the US and Mexico.

Mr. Clerkin also represents Moet Hennessy on the board of DISCUS, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. In his new role, he succeeds Mark Cornell, who has been President and CEO of Moet Hennessy USA since 2006. Mr. Cornell's next assignment within the LVMH Group will be communicated very soon.

Mr. Clerkin's career began in Ireland where he rose through the ranks at Guinness in a variety of roles to Executive Sales Director and became a member of the board.

About LVMH

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the world's leading luxury goods group. The Group is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Chateau d'Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere Vodka, Chopin, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton.

Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury brand, as well as Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Berluti and StefanoBi. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing through DFS, Sephora in Europe and the United States, Le Bon Marche, la Samaritaine and Sack's. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Christian Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Limited, a joint venture created with the world's leading diamond group.

About Moet Hennessy USA

MOET HENNESSY USA is the leading importer and marketer of luxury wines and spirits in the U.S. The Moet Hennessy portfolio includes renowned brands such as: Hennessy Cognac; Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart champagnes; Belvedere vodka; 10 Cane Rum; Grand Marnier; Glenmorangie and Ardbeg single malt Scotch whiskies; and fine wines, including Chateau d'Yquem, Cheval des Andes, Terrazas de Los Andes, Cape Mentelle, Cloudy Bay, Greenpoint, Newton Vineyard and Domaine Chandon California sparkling among others. Moet Hennessy has a strong consumer focus with an uncompromising commitment to building luxury brands.

SOURCE Moet Hennessy USA