Ainsworth replaces Patrick Venning, who will become global marketing director for whisky brands Ballantine’s Finest and Chivas Brothers’ Introduction to Scotch Portfolio.
As UK marketing director his portfolio will include big players such as Absolut and Malibu.
Ainsworth has been marketing director of Wyborowa Pernod Ricard, based in Poland, since 2014, after working in regional roles since joining the company in 2008.
He started his career in 1997 with Majestic Wine and over the next decade worked in a variety of roles within the drinks industry in the UK and internationally for Winecellars and Bodegas Riojanas.
Reporting to Laurent Pillet, Pernod Ricard’s managing director, Ainsworth began his new role on 3 July.
Venning, a former marketer at both Procter & Gamble and Unilever, became UK marketing director in 2012 and has been with Pernod Ricard UK for 13 years in total.
He was credited with bringing forward new digital initiatives, including the roll-out of an eCRM campaign across the portfolio.
Pillet said: "Our marketing department continues to inspire and innovate the industry by consistently delivering engaging campaigns for our premium portfolio of leading brands.
"This is testament to Patrick’s leadership and we’ve ensured his successor possesses the same drive and determination to make us stand out."
