Rachel Gristwood has moved to Pernod Ricard UK as brand manager for Jacob’s Creek.
Gristwood previously worked for Jacob’s Creek in Australia. She is joining as the company renews the wine’s sponsorship of US comedy series Friends, broadcast on E4 and Channel 4,, and now in its final series.
Chris Seale, Pernod Ricard UK head of marketing for wines, said: “We have been sponsoring Friends for the past two years. The association has been very successful and has had a positive impact on the brand.
“With this sponsorship and the expertise Rachel brings, we look forward to the year ahead.”
Gristwood has joined a six-strong marketing team.
Sir Ian Prosser’s appointment as Sainsbury’s non-executive deputy chairman has been questioned by the City. Sir Ian takes up his post on March 29, at the same time as Justin King takes over as chief executive, and is to succeed Sir Peter Davis as chairman next year.
However, one analyst said his authoritarian approach as chairman was unpopular at Bass, where shareholders thought he overvalued acquisitions and undervalued disposals. However, some argued that Sir Ian’s strong character would help “rein in” Davis, giving King more freedom to make changes.