Campari Group has hired former William Grant & Sons boss Simon Hunt to be its new CEO. Hunt is to lead the spirits giant from 15 January 2025, the Aperol and Courvoisier brand owner announced this week. A 30-year industry veteran, Hunt will succeed interim co-CEOs, Paolo Marchesini and Fabio Di Fede, who have been overseeing operations since the departure of Matteo Fantacchiotti after just five months in September 2024.

Hunt began his career at Diageo, holding managerial positions in global and local marketing and sales. He joined Allied Domecq in 2000, before moving to Pernod Ricard in 2005 to become CEO and president of Malibu- Kahlúa International. In a 14-year career with William Grant & Sons, Hunt rose through the ranks with stints as president and MD of its business in North America, as well as chief commercial officer, prior to serving as its CEO from 2016 to 2020.

After leaving the Hendrick's owner, Hunt occupied strategic advisory and board roles at major spirits producers, before being appointed CEO at spirits incubator Catalyst Spirits in 2022.