Raphaël is an international drinks industry leader with a wealth of experience in the Scotch whisky, champagne and rum industries. He has extensive commercial expertise across the world and brings considerable knowledge in brand strategy and marketing, commercial development, operations, CSR and multicultural management to the CIBD board. With his ample experience in business growth and repositioning brands in the high-end segment, Raphaël represents the wide knowledge and the diverse and global reach of the CIBD.

Raphaël started his career in 1994 at Inver House Distribution as the Iberia Zone Manager followed by Distilleries Ryssen (Victor Fauconnier – Hesdin Division), first as Southern Europe Zone Director and later as the Export Director.

Following this, Raphaël became the Southern & Eastern Europe Zone Director of Champagne Ruinart, part of LWMH Group, where he focused on the activation of the on-trade exclusive Moet-Hennessy Champagne. His career continued in Rémy Cointreau as the Northern Europe Zone Director with base in Paris. His main responsibility was portfolio development with brands like Piper & Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Rémy Martin Cognac, Cointreau, Mouént Gay Rum, St Remy Brandy and Passoa Liqueur.

In September 2024, Raphaël co-founded Indeluxe Brands & Domaines and currently works there as the Business Development Director at the company with the goal to curate a diverse portfolio of independent, authentic beverage brands that prioritise sustainability, authentic experiences and taste in Africa, Middle East, India and Indian ocean region. 

Raphaël has been the Chairman of the Barbados Rum Distillers Committee, Director of WIRSPA (West Indies Rum and Spirit Producers Association) and Co-Founder and Director of the Barbados Alcohol Industry Association till September 2022.

Born in Marseille and raised in Paris, Raphaël has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Commerce, Law and Economics for L'Institut Libre des Relations Internationales et Des Sciences Politiques in Paris, and a Master in Ethnology for la Université Paris 7 Cité. Studies that he complemented with a Master in Business Administration for the University of Warwick and a Certificate in Sustainability Leadership & Corporate Responsibility at London Business School.

A passionate sportsman, Raphaël is three-time winner of the J24 Regatta in Barbados, and a former rugby player who as a hooker was part of the 2nd and 3rd French Divisions. Now passionate about cycling with his wife and kids.

In his free time and to relax, he balances work and sports by drumming in a band and beekeeping.