Drinks giant Pernod Ricard UK has appointed Chris Seale as its head of Cham­pagnes for a portfolio which now includes Mumm and Perrier Jouet, following its acquisition of Allied Domecq last year.

Seale joined Pernod Ricard in 2001 as marketing manager for its wine port­folio and he became head of marketing for wines in 2003. He was responsible for the UK marketing of wines brands such as Jacob's Creek, Wyndham Estate, Etchart, Long Mountain and also Sandman Port.

In September 2004, Seale became Pernod Ricard UK's prestige portfolio director, responsible for creating and running the prestige sales team across the country. He previously held senior marketing roles at Rank Hovis McDougall and Adidas.

Seale said Champagne brands inherited from Allied Domecq, Mumm and Perrier Jouet could benefit from being part of Pernod's broad portfolio. "Pernod understands brands - if you look at its spirits portfolio it has been developing them across various trade channels," he said.