Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, Names John A. Shea Vice President, Corporate Communications.

WESTPORT, CT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1999--

John A. "Jack" Shea has been named Vice President, Corporate Communications, for Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, announced Martin Jones, President and CEO of the domestic National Marketing and Sales Company for Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine. Shea joins Allied Domecq Spirits effective Aug. 23, 1999, from United Distillers and Vintners (UDV) North America, where he was most recently Director, Public Relations.

"We're delighted to have Jack coming on board in this critical post," said Jones. "He brings extensive experience in the adult beverage industry to Allied Domecq, having served in a variety of public relations and communications roles during a distinguished 13-year career in the industry. He's familiar with the complexities of our business, as well as the media that covers it and can make an instant contribution to furthering our goal of being recognized as America's leading distilled spirits company."

Jack has worked in public relations positions of increasing responsibility since 1986 at the former Heublein, Inc.; International Distillers & Vintners (IDV) North America; and UDV. His career in the beverage alcohol industry has covered media relations, internal communications, community relations and consumer affairs.

Before joining Heublein, he held several public relations positions at the Travelers Companies. Shea launched his communications career as a news assistant at The New York Times and worked for five years as a reporter and editor at The Hartford Courant.

At Allied Domecq Spirits, he will be responsible for overseeing public relations activities for such brands as Kahlua, America's leading imported liqueur; Sauza tequila, America's fastest growing spirits brand; and Courvoisier, the No. 2 cognac in the U.S. Shea will also manage all internal and external communications for Allied Domecq Spirits, including coordination and liaison with Allied Domecq Spirits. He will report to Jones.

Additionally, he will also provide communications support to George Mc Carthy, President of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, The Americas, and the current chairman of the industry's trade association, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Shea has chaired that association's Public Affairs Committee for the past several years.

A graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor of arts degree in history, he resides in Fairfield, Conn., with his wife and children.

Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, is part of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, the No. 2 spirits company worldwide in terms of volume sales. Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine is part of Allied Domecq PLC, the London-based international spirits and retailing group that also includes Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togos.