Pernod Ricard launches its first employee share ownership plan, marking a new stage in its development

Pernod Ricard launches its first employee share ownership plan, marking a new stage in its development 

From 29 April 2019, Pernod Ricard employees will have the opportunity to take part in their first share ownership plan, involving 18 countries and representing 75% of the Group's workforce. This plan is the result of preparatory work carried out for almost a year by Group Headquarters and teams from the 18 eligible markets, and it was formally approved by the Board of Directors on 17 October 2018. All beneficiaries will be able to purchase Pernod Ricard shares under favourable terms as part of the Group Savings Plan (GSP) and an International Group Savings Plan (IGSP). For further details, please refer to the regulatory communication attached to this press release.

This scheme, called 'Accelerate', is in line with the 3-year strategic plan 'Transform & Accelerate', focused on investing for sustainable and profitable long-term growth for all its stakeholders, beginning with its employees. This inaugural employee share ownership plan is considered to be an inflexion point in the new Human Resources strategy currently being rolled out, as reflected by recently announced initiatives, such as the launch of a new leadership model, the global roll-out of the HR Workday solution and all the managerial initiatives covered by the 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap. With all these projects, the Group is reaffirming the mindset that drives its 19,000 'Créateurs de Convivialité', whose commitment continues to grow. 90% of them state they 'understand and adhere to the Group's objectives' with 94% saying they are 'proud to be part of Pernod Ricard' (I Say Study, June 2017, conducted by Willis Towers Watson).

Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO, said, 'Our growth has already reached a certain level and the aim of our three-year Transform & Accelerate plan is to take us further and faster on our way to leadership. This ambition cannot be achieved without fully associating our employees, as they are the driving force behind this growth. Over 50 years ago our founder, Paul Ricard, was a pioneer in the field, offering Ricard employees innovative profit sharing and company savings plans. We are delighted to maintain this culture, which places the concept of sharing at the heart of our model and our performance'.