Lee James, Managing Director UK, Ireland and Nordic markets at Rémy Cointreau overseeing the portfolio which includes iconic terroir focussed brands such as Rémy Martin, Louis XIII Cognac, Cointreau, Mount Gay, Bruichladdich, The Botanist Gin and Champagne Telmont.

Prior to joining Remy Cointreau in 2024, Lee was with Pernod Ricard for almost two decades, working through the company in numerous senior sales and marketing roles including UK Commercial Director Wine & Champagne 2009-2012 before moving into EMEA and global export and business development roles based in London and then onto Sydney in 2014 with Pernod Ricard Winemakers leading a team across innovation, trade marketing, advocacy and cellar door tourism alongside his export responsibilities. In 2019 Lee returned to the UK in the role of Global Commercial Director across the premium + gin portfolio responsible for Export and development of the Pernod Ricard gin portfolio around the world and the UK gin brand homes.

Lee joined the UK wine and spirits industry as a graduate trainee in 1998, first with Seagram’s UK Ltd. with a wine and Champagne focus and after 3 years with Mars Confectionery in 2001 in sales and category management roles, returned to the drinks industry in 2004 with Allied Domecq Wine UK with sales responsibility for the UK off trade and Ireland distribution.

Lee holds the WSET Diploma, is a Rectifier of The Gin Guild and is a huge rugby fan and fiercely proud of his Welsh roots despite growing up in Essex.