Royal Salute™ Recognizes Actor John Cho with the Brand's Highest Distinction, The Mark of Respect Award

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Salute™, one of the most coveted and admired luxury spirit brands in the world, today extended its highest honor – The Mark of Respect Award to actor John Cho for his achievements on and off the big screen. Royal Salute has proudly celebrated men and women around the world for being effective leaders and achievers in the fields of arts and culture, and every year since 2006, the brand has paid tribute to deserving individuals within the Asian-American community for their remarkable work. This year, Royal Salute continued that legacy by announcing the Mark of Respect Award winner, Cho, at the 2014 Unforgettable Awards Gala, one of the premier entertainment events of the year for the Asian-American community.

"Royal Salute is very proud to announce John Cho as this year's Mark of Respect Award recipient, as he has achieved so much in his career while continuing to lead by example, and inspire others in the Asian community here in the U.S.," said Wayne Hartunian, Vice President, Scotch & Cognac, Pernod Ricard USA. "We are honored to recognize John at this year's Unforgettable Awards Gala, as his accomplishments in film and television continue to flourish."

This year's Mark of Respect award winner was chosen by an esteemed selection committee, all of whom are also notable leaders in the Asian-American community. The three members in the selection committee are proven achievers in their respective fields, and include:

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

In selecting a winner, the committee sought after one individual who embodied the brand's spirit of excellence and carried out the same values and traditions that Royal Salute represents. The selection committee and the brand felt that Cho was the perfect choice because of his achievements, and proven leadership inspiring current and future generations to come.

"It's an honor to receive the Mark of Respect Award from Royal Salute," said John Cho. "I'm grateful to the members of the selection committee Stewart Kwoh, Lisa Ling and James Ryu for this recognition.  I'm humbled to be included among the previous recipients of this esteemed award and proud to be following in their footsteps."

For additional information please visit www.royalsalute.com.

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.

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SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA