Royal Salute™ Extends International Top Honor To The U.S. With The Mark of Respect Award

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Salute, one of the most coveted and admired luxury spirit brands in the world, has proudly celebrated men and women globally for being effective leaders and achievers in the fields of arts and culture. Since 2006, the brand has paid the ultimate tribute to one deserving individual within the Asian-American community and will continue this tradition by announcing the Mark of Respect Award winner at the 2014 Unforgettable Awards, one of the premier entertainment events of the year for the Asian community. By extending its highest honor to the U.S., Royal Salute will acknowledge the amazing work of Asian-Americans and the true leaders in arts and culture who are creating an impact for future generations.

Much like Royal Salute, the Mark of Respect award recipients have always been identified as individuals who begin where others end, showing their true desire and passion to achieve the absolute best. The recipient will embody the brand's spirit of excellence and carry out the same values and traditions that Royal Salute represents: dedication and leadership in their respective professions, an exceptional work ethic, and inspiring current and future generations to come.

"As Royal Salute aspires to always begin where others end our extension of the international Mark of Respect Award to the U.S. is our way of continuing Royal Salute's tradition of paying tribute and honoring leaders in the Asian community here in the U.S.," said Wayne Hartunian, Vice President, Scotch & Cognac, Pernod Ricard USA. "The brand will continue to celebrate inspirational leaders that exemplify the highest level of excellence in to their respected fields and community."

This year's Mark of Respect award winner will be chosen by an esteemed selection committee who are also leaders and notable names in the Asian community. The selection committee will consist of three members, who are all proven achievers in their respected fields, including:

• Stewart Kwoh, founding President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice
• Lisa Ling, television journalist, best known as host of "This is Life with Lisa Ling"
• James Ryu, Publisher of KoreAm Journal and Audrey Magazine

"I'm truly honored to be part of this year's selection committee, responsible for choosing the winner of the Royal Salute Mark of Respect Award," said Lisa Ling. "I take great pride in acknowledging the work that's done in our industry that supports the Asian-American community and I applaud Royal Salute for its dedication in recognizing those who look to do the same."

The Mark of Respect Award recipient will be announced on Friday, December 5^th at the 13^th annual Unforgettable Awards in Los Angeles. For additional information please visit www.royalsalute.com, and www.twitter.com/RoyalSalute.

Please drink responsibly
ROYAL SALUTE™ Blended Scotch Whisky.  40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof).  ©2014 Imported by Chivas Bros. Import Co., Purchase, NY

About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlua® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avion™ Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA