Maurice-Richard Hennessy
Hennessy is proud of its long history. Its Irish founder, Richard Hennessy, was so delighted with the region that he established a trading firm in Cognac in 1765. Under his son James, the company expanded rapidly and took the name it still has today: Jas Hennessy and Co. Eight generations of Hennessys have run this outstanding company, travelling all over world to build up the brand's universal reputation. Maurice Hennessy belongs to the latest vintage of this "grand cru".
Born in 1950 in Neuilly, a leafy Parisian suburb, Maurice spent all his youth in Cognac. He then read agriculture at university in Paris before spending a number of years in West Africa. In 1975, he returned home to Cognac and the family firm.
After focusing on communications, Maurice left for London, where he played an active role in the development of the British market before returning to Cognac in 1984.
Since then, he has been an extensive traveler, flying the Hennessy flag in many parts of the world, visiting customers, entertaining VIPs, briefing the press, and rallying the sales teams. He teaches staff members all over the world about Hennessy's values and savoir-faire, cultivates brand development, and conducts exclusive tastings of Hennessy cognacs. One of the firm's most tireless ambassadors, he is also often seen at events sponsored by Jas. Hennessy & Co.