Martell® Partners With Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) To Support Professional Development Among Asian American Professionals

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Martell®, the prestigious House of Cognac founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, today announced a partnership with Asian Professional Exchange (APEX), a leading non-profit Asian American professional organization, to help foster career growth among this group of individuals. Part of this relationship will include the Martell Icons of Inspiration Mentorship Program, which will give selected applicants the opportunity to network with established professionals in their respective fields of interest. Applications for this inaugural program will be accepted beginning September 29 through November 30, 2014.

For the first year of this program, two of the mentors include Stephen Liu and Chris Tashima.

• Stephen Christopher Liu, the founder and Chairman of APEX, is the CEO of Privy.net, a technology startup that is capitalizing on the rise of Asia by building the leading private social network and matchmaking platform for a select group of executives and influential figures who are based in the United States and Asia.
• Chris Tashima is co-founder of Cedar Grove Productions and artistic director of its Asian American theatre company, Cedar Grove OnStage. He is also an Academy Award-winning director for "Visas and Virtue," a live action short film he also starred in and co-wrote.

"The House of Martell was founded on the idea of celebrating achievement and elevating ourselves and others with great potential to reach for the highest level of success," said Wayne Hartunian, Vice President, Scotch & Cognac, Pernod Ricard USA.  "Through this partnership with APEX, we want to give those talented individuals the tools to craft their own legacy and achieve their dreams."

In addition to serving as mentors, Liu and Tashima will also be honorees at the 21^st Annual APEX Gala and Martell Icons of Inspiration Awards, sponsored by Martell on September 26 in Los Angeles. The event is an opportunity for both APEX members and non-members to network and recognize the successes of Asian Americans in the overall business community.

"APEX's vision has always been about creating and inspiring the next generation of new leaders within the Asian Pacific Islander American community. The Icons of Inspiration Program is a testament to that vision," said Ellen Chen, President, APEX.  "With Martell's partnership, we can continue to make great strides in helping others reach their greatest potential. APEX is truly passionate about giving back and we look forward to a successful venture with Martell to help influence, impact and inspire our community."

"Having the right mentorship and networking opportunities is crucial to success in any field, which is why Martell is so honored to support APEX in their endeavors to better connect and educate the Asian American community," said Hartunian. "We're committed to encouraging professional and personal growth among all people so they can advance in whatever career path they choose."

Enjoy our quality responsibly.
MARTELL® Cognac.  40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof).  ©2014 Imported by Martell & 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 more than 18,000 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 (through a joint venture with Tequila Avion); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® 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.

About Asian Professional Exchange
Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization comprised of Asian Pacific Islander American professionals in the Southern California region. Founded in 1993, APEX is a 100% volunteer-run organization which provides a wide-reaching platform for millennials and young professionals to give back to our collective communities, to educate and enhance the perceptions and understanding of our cultural heritage, and to guide our members' professional development and progress. Through philanthropic fundraisers, educational seminars, cultural events, mentoring programs, and youth outreach initiatives, collectively, we strive to make and leave a lasting impact.

For more information about Asian Professional Exchange, please visit: www.apex.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA