Campari has named the former boss of distiller William Grant & Sons and industry veteran Simon Hunt as its new chief executive to lead the Italian brand’s next phase of growth.

Hunt will succeed interim co-CEOs Paolo Marchesini, also chief financial and operating officer, and Fabio Di Fede, also chief legal and M&A officer, who both stepped into the role after former chief executive Matteo Fantacchiotti left Campari in September after just six months in the position.

Hunt brings over 30 years’ experience in the premium and luxury spirits industry to the role, having spent 14 years at owner of the world’s best-selling single malt Scotch whisky portfolio William Grant & Sons.

Across the years, he took on increasing responsibilities, from president and managing director of North America to chief commercial officer and finally served as CEO from 2016 to 2020.

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Hunt has also spent time at drinks giant’s including Diageo, where be held various managerial positions in global and local marketing and sales, including vice president of Smirnoff global marketing, and at Pernod Ricard as Malibu-Kahlua International CEO and president.

More recently, he has acted as a strategic advisor to chief executives of premium spirits companies and was appointed CEO of global spirits incubator Catalyst Spirits in 2022, where he led the company’s strategic initiatives and innovation in ‘digitally naive’ premium spirits brands.

Campari Group chairman Luca Garavoglia said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon as the new chief executive officer of Campari Group. His proven and extensive industry experience and leadership in building and scaling premium and luxury brands on a global scale will be instrumental as he leads Campari Group through its next phase of growth.

“I am confident that Simon’s background, personality, energy, leadership and drive will take Campari Group to new heights as we continue to execute our growth strategy and evolve into our new Houses of Brands operating model.”

Hunt added: “During my more than three decades of experience within the spirits industry, I have always held Campari Group in the highest regard for its unique history, strong portfolio of iconic brands, company culture, and continuous outperformance and stellar growth story.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this extraordinary opportunity and I look forward to working with Campari Group’s talented leadership team and organization to continue to build on the company’s heritage and success built over the past decades, and to take Campari Group’s potential and growth ambition to its next level.”