Bacardi Canada elevates Kevin Gouthro to managing director

Bacardi Canada, Inc. has promoted Kevin Gouthro to managing director of Canada.

Gouthro has more than 20 years of beverage industry experience, including more than eight years spent at Bacardi. 

Former managing director of Canada Peter Starski recently moved to the role of senior director, performance management, North America.

In his new role, Gouthro is responsible for the overall market performance of Bacardi in Canada across all functions and activities. 

He will lead the delivery of the market’s annual financial and commercial plans while strengthening relationships with distributor partners and key customers, reporting to Jeff Branson, senior vice-president, commercial for Bacardi North America.

Gouthro will continue to be based in Toronto. 

“Kevin brings the market knowledge, customer focus, and leadership needed to build on the progress we’ve made in Canada and guide the business through its next chapter of growth,” Branson said in a statement. “His appointment is a reflection of the strong talent we have across Bacardi and our commitment to developing leaders from within, creating opportunities for them to make an even greater impact on our business.”

Gouthro joined Bacardi in Canada in 2018 as provincial sales manager in Calgary and has since progressed into broader commercial roles at the national level, including director, customer strategy, and most recently national sales director. 

Prior to Bacardi, Gouthro spent 12 years at Pepsico, holding progressively senior sales and account management roles. 

“Bacardi Canada has strong momentum, great brands, and important opportunities ahead,” Gouthro said. “It is a privilege to lead this business, and I look forward to building on that progress with our team, customers, and partners.”