Bermuda-based Bacardi Ltd has announces the appointment of Robert Furniss-Roe as president of Bacardi North America.Mr Furniss-Roe succeeds John Esposito, who recently announced his planned retirement.“Robert has consistently shown his strong leadership and success in driving our business over the 20 years he has been with Bacardi,” said Séamus McBride, president and CEO of Bacardi Ltd. “Robert possesses an extraordinary mix of industry knowledge, deep understanding of our company and entrepreneurial spirit in both global and regional marketplaces that will have tremendous impact in the North America region.”Mr Furniss-Roe will be based in the company’s Americas headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.“Bacardi North America is a dynamic region with committed and passionate employees and an outstanding portfolio of iconic brands. As our largest market, we have tremendous opportunities to grow our business and value share,” said Mr Furniss-Roe. “I am excited to lead the team to further strengthen our business in this critical region.”Mr Furniss-Roe most recently served as regional president of Latin America and vice-president of global sales at the company.Since joining the company in 1989, he has held a variety of marketing and executive management positions around the world, including in the US and other mature and emerging markets.Previously, he served as Bacardi Ltd chief of staff; vice-president of corporate responsibility; interim regional president of Europe; area director for Russia/CIS/Poland; vice-president of global marketing; area director for Asia-Pacific; and in senior marketing roles in Asia, France and the US. Prior to joining Bacardi, Mr Furniss-Roe held marketing positions with Dunhill and L’Oreal.Mr. Esposito joined Bacardi in May of 2006, and has had a 25-plus year career in the spirits and wine industry.