PERNOD Ricard has warned of slower sales growth across Europe, Middle East and Africa as rival Diageo sent chief financial officer Deirdre Mahan to run operations in its key North American market.

Chivas Brothers and Glenlivet owner Pernod told investors that net sales across EMEA in the first nine months of its financial will be around two per cent, down from four per cent in the prior reporting period.

It blamed a sharp decline in Poland along with a 12 per cent dip in duty free and travel retail.

The UK was one of the best performing markets with a four per cent sales rise while sub-Saharan Africa underlined its potential for spirits makers with a 20 per cent surge.

Chivas Regal sales dipped three per cent on the back of more difficult conditions in Russia and travel retail although it saw growth in Turkey and Africa.

The Glenlivet single malt was up nine per cent as it recorded "strong momentum" across all the EMEA regions.

Ballantine's was up five per cent on the back of a return to growth in Spain as well as strong sales in Russia, Poland and Africa.

Christian Porta, chairman of Pernod Ricard EMEA, said he expects growth in the region to stay steady at two per cent across the full financial year.

Meanwhile, Johnnie Walker owner Diageo said Ms Mahan will become president of its North American business.

She will replace Larry Schwartz who is to retire at the end of 2015.

Ms Mahan will continue to fulfil her chief financial officer duties until a replacement is in place.

Separately, Chivas Brothers is considering reducing the number of legal firms on its UK panel from 16 to between five and seven.