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Edrington appoints new Chair as Crawford Gillies retires

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Edrington, owner of premium whisky brands including The Macallan and The Famous Grouse, has announced the upcoming retirement of its Chair, Crawford Gillies, and named Angus Cockburn CA as his successor. Mr Gillies, who has served on the Edrington board for eight years, will step down on 31 March 2025. His tenure saw significant milestones for the company, such as the opening of The Macallan’s new distillery in 2018 and exceeding £1 billion in core revenue.

Angus Cockburn, a Chartered Accountant with an MBA from the IMD Business School in Switzerland and an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh, brings extensive experience to his new role. Mr Cockburn joined Edrington’s board as a non-executive director in 2020 and has held prominent positions in the finance sector, including as CFO of Serco Group plc and Aggreko plc. He currently serves as Chair of James Fisher & Sons plc, Senior Independent Director at Ashtead Group plc, and a non-executive director at BAE Systems plc.

Mr Gillies said, “It has been a privilege to chair Edrington and to witness the growth and resilience of the company and its world class portfolio of ultra-premium spirits. I have been impressed by the Giving More charitable ethos that is at the heart of the unique culture and values demonstrated by its extraordinary people around the world.

“I wish Angus every success in his role as Chair of Edrington and know his background as one of the UK’s most experienced CFOs and Non-Executive Directors will be invaluable to Edrington in the coming years.”

Mr Cockburn said, “It is an honour to be taking over from Crawford as Chair of Edrington, a unique business that has such a clear purpose in that it competes globally with some of the world’s best-known brands whilst being owned by a charitable trust, The Robertson Trust, and plays a significant role in Scotland’s economy.

“Crawford leaves the business in good health, and I look forward to supporting the Executive Team as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Scott McCroskie, Edrington CEO, said, “Crawford has been an outstanding Chair, helping to steer the company through a period of significant growth despite volatile trading conditions. The Board and Executive Team are grateful for his dedicated service and the positive impact he has had on Edrington during his tenure. On a personal level I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Crawford and have learned a lot from him.

“Angus has been a great support to the business as a Non-Executive Director for the past four years and we are all delighted to welcome him as Chair as Edrington faces into a more challenging trading environment.”

Picture: Crawford Gillies

 

 

Category: News, People, Whisky
Tags: Angus Cockburn, Crawford Gillies, Edrington, Scott McCroskie, The Famous Grouse, The Macallan