• by Nina Lentini  @Nina_Lentini, January 4, 2007

Rory Finlay is the new senior vice president and global chief marketing officer for Beam Global Spirits & Wine, a division of Fortune Brands, effective Jan. 29.

A veteran of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Finlay will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of global marketing strategies for Beam Global's leading spirits brands, including Jim Beam bourbon, Canadian Club Canadian whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Laphroaig Scotch, Sauza tequila, Maker's Mark bourbon and Starbucks Liqueurs.

At Wrigley, Finlay most recently served as vice president and managing director, New Confectionery Brands--leading the company's management and marketing efforts for consumer brands including Altoids and Life Savers. He was responsible for the launch of Orbit, Wrigley's biggest and fastest-growing brand.

Finlay will serve as a member of the Beam Global Executive Committee and will report directly to president and CEO, Tom Flocco.

"Rory Finlay is a proven builder of leading consumer brands with an impressive record of growing iconic brands in key global markets and launching fast-growing new products," said Flocco in a statement. "With the expansion of our portfolio of premium brands, Beam Global is on its way to becoming a brand-led company. Rory has extensive experience building brands from idea through field execution. He has driven several successful multi-brand efforts on both global and national levels, making him an excellent fit with our brand-led strategy."

Finlay takes the helm from John Muller, who has led the marketing function on an interim basis for the past six months while also serving as senior vice president, strategy and corporate development.