Alex Ricard wishes you a Happy 2018!

Dear all,
 
2017 was a step change year for our Group and I'm thrilled to be ringing in 2018 at the head of a Company that exceeds expectations. Thanks to our 18,500 committed Pernod Ricard ambassadors, we accelerated the pace of our sustainable growth and have already started to reap the fruits of our reframed consumer-focused business model.

2017 was also both a special and a difficult year for me personally. We celebrated our son Joseph's first birthday at the end of October and a few days later mourned the passing of my father Bernard Ricard. These major life events, one so happy and the other terribly sad, helped put things into perspective for me.
 
It will come as no surprise that I strongly believe family to be at the heart of everything. Not just in the traditional sense, but also from a broader perspective. I consider you, my colleagues at Pernod Ricard, to be part of my family and I'm proud that you carry my family name to the four corners of the world. This is why I would like to sincerely thank all of you for the great work you are doing.
 
In a few hours' time we will gather to celebrate New Year's Eve with our closest family and friends, to raise our glasses in hopeful anticipation of the year ahead. I trust that you will all enjoy a genuine moment of togetherness and sharing, a true moment of the 'convivialité' that we seek to spread throughout a world in need of warmth. Yes, there is still a lot do on that front and it is up to every one of us to passionately promote our convivial ideal in order to live together... better. So let's keep up the pace! 

Wishing you and yours a joyful, prosperous and healthful New Year 2018!
 
Cheers,
Alex