Former P&G Exec Named Bacardi CEO
The Board of Directors of Bacardi Limited announces the planned retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Samus McBride and the appointment of Edward D. Shirley as the new President and CEO and a member of the Board of Bacardi Limited, effective immediately.
Ed Shirley most recently served as Vice Chairman of Beauty & Grooming for Procter & Gamble (P&G). He is a veteran of Gillette and recognized as one of P&G’s most well-rounded executives. Shirley brings to Bacardi deep and broad experiences developed over a 33-year career across a number of brands and businesses. In addition, he brings a global perspective, having led businesses and organizations throughout the world, including: Braun in Germany; Gillette Europe in London; Gillette Supply Chain, Global Marketing and International Commercial Operations in Boston; Oral-B North America in California; and P&G’s North American and Global Beauty & Grooming businesses based in Cincinnati.
As Vice Chairman of P&G Beauty & Grooming, Shirley led a portfolio of iconic, leading brands totaling $38B in sales and $6B in profits that included mass consumer brands of Gillette, Braun, Old Spice, Oral B, Crest, CoverGirl, Pantene, Olay; and luxury brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana fragrances and makeup, Hugo Boss and Gucci fragrances, The Art of Shaving, and SK-II luxury skin care. In his tenure as Vice Chairman of P&G's Beauty & Grooming business, Shirley stopped the business decline and delivered seven consecutive quarters of sales growth. He is known for building great teams and inspiring people to play to win together.
During his tenure at Bacardi Limited, McBride led efforts that better leveraged the company’s operating structure and sales force effectiveness. McBride is also credited with transforming marketing capabilities, with the recent global launch of BACARD OakHeart spiced rum as an example of how this has been brought to life. McBride also strengthened the Bacardi organization, promoting top talent from within and outside the company.