Bermudian-based drinks giant Bacardi has appointed Mauricio Vergara as president and chief operating officer of Patrón.

A seven-year Bacardi veteran, Mr Vergara has a diverse background serving in leadership positions across marketing, commercial and general management in both mature and emerging markets.

Mr Vergara will report to chief executive officer Mahesh Madhavan and, subject to Immigration Department approval, will be based in company’s global headquarters in Bermuda. He will also join Bacardi’s Global Leadership Team.

Most recently, Vergara served as managing director for Bacardi-Martini Australia and New Zealand, while also leading the international integration of Patrón following the acquisition of Patrón Spirits International AG by Bacardi in 2018.

“Tequila is one of the fastest growing and most attractive categories in the spirits industry, and Patrón is the clear market leader in the super-premium space,” Mr Madhavan said.

“Mauricio is a highly collaborative and innovative leader with an impressive track record of success across multiple disciplines, brands and markets.

“In his new role, he will work closely with our regional leaders and brand and operations teams to accelerate growth in the well-established US market, while leading expansion internationally where consumers are starting to discover and love premium tequila.”

Mr Vergara said: “Having grown up in Mexico, this is an especially exciting opportunity with a brand I have long loved and admired for its authenticity, quality and integrity.”