PERNOD RICARD USA

Ed Merklen has been named General Manager-East Division Sales.  Prior to joining Pernod Ricard, Merklen worked for the past twelve years at the Coca-Cola Company where he held a series of executive sales roles in the bottling, divisional and national chain groups.  In his most recent position as VP of Sales-National Chain Drug Stores, Merklen was responsible for the strategic guidance and development of collaborative relationships with some of the largest retailers in the US.  He also has gained extensive experience in the Northeast market, having served as VP of Supermarket Sales for the Northeast unit of Coca-Cola Enterprises and VP of Sales for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York.