NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 02/06/13 -- Pernod Ricard USA has tapped digital agency Deep Focus to handle the company's digital and social media needs across its core brands, including Absolut, Malibu, Kahlúa, Jameson, The Glenlivet, and Chivas Regal.

The Deep Focus appointment follows a competitive pitch process that lasted 6 months and included several other leading agencies. The selection of Deep Focus also includes implementation of the agency's Moment Studio, a micro-content production team that has already developed content for several of Pernod Ricard's brands.

"Today, digital is all about speed -- and we need an agency that can push-pull highly strategic, creative, analytical and execution levers all at the right time," says Tim Murphy, Vice President of Marketing, Pernod Ricard USA. Murphy continues, "Deep Focus has an exceptional ability to deliver visually engaging, portable content that easily spreads."

"We are delighted to have been selected as digital and social media agency of record for Pernod Ricard USA and their legendary brands," said Deep Focus' CEO, Ian Schafer. "The Pernod Ricard USA team intuitively understands that social media must fuel a modern integrated marketing approach, and we are excited to be forging an always-on future together. Pernod Ricard USA's brands have a rich advertising lineage, and we are proud to be a part of it, alongside some of the best agencies in the world."

The Deep Focus digital and social media AOR appointment includes responsibility for digital and social strategy and creative, digital content strategy, and social media channel programming and management.

"We say that Deep Focus is the digital agency for the social age and this win is a testament to that. As brands continue to invest in improving both the size and quality of their social media channels digital marketing is rapidly becoming about great content, and building reach through engagement," added Ken Kraemer, Deep Focus' Executive Creative Director. "We are looking forward to building upon an already-strong foundation in collaboration with Pernod Ricard USA to redefine what it means to deliver meaningful and memorable engagement at scale."

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S. 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®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

About Deep Focus

Deep Focus (www.deepfocus.net) is the full-service digital agency for the social age, and is a trusted partner of brands such as Cole Haan, The National Association of Realtors, Pepsi, Purina, and WellPoint. Founded in 2002, the award-winning agency has nearly 70 employees and is headquartered in New York City. Deep Focus is a part of Engine USA and was Digiday's Agency of the Year in 2010 and 2012. For more information on Deep Focus, please visit us at http://www.deepfocus.net, Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/deepfocus) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/wearedeepfocus).