There are three of them are at the bar and they’re drunk. Not just a little tipsy but swaying, shouting, obnoxious and it’s only 2pm. I’m at London’s salubrious Connaught Bar, supposedly to report on Nikka Whisky’s Perfect Serve cocktail competition for Drinks International, but it’s fair to say the scene unfolding around me is not one to which I am accustomed...
Campari chief executive resigns after five months
Campari Group chief executive, Matteo Fantacchiotti, has announced his resignation after only five months in the role.
Glen Grant master distiller to retire
Glen Grant has announced the retirement of master distiller Dennis Malcolm OBE, who will leave his role at the end of June, after a six-decade long career.
Kirker Greer Spirits expands presence in Singapore
Kirker Greer Spirits has announced its expansion into the Singaporean market from early spring, partnering with distributor The First Pour.
Woodford Reserve appoints Elizabeth McCall as master distiller
Woodford Reserve has appointed Elizabeth McCall as master distiller, the third in the bourbon brand’s 26-year history, succeeding Chris Morris, who will assume the role of master distiller emeritus.
Edrington appoints new master blender for The Famous Grouse
Spirits company Edrington, has announced the appointment of Craig Johnstone as master blender for The Famous Grouse.
The bitter taste of success
Italian bitters are enjoying something of a golden era as consumers’ tastes evolve.
Edrington UK has announced its appointment of Beckie Sullivan as UK national brand ambassador for Courvoisier.
Irish Distillers appoints new master distiller
Kevin O’Gorman will take over as master distiller at Jameson producer Irish Distillers after Brian Nation decided to move to a startup in the US.
New senior appointment at St Austell Brewery
Cornish independent brewer and pub company St Austell Brewery has announced the appointment of Andrew Turner, to the newly created role of managing director, beer and brands.
New management structure at Accolade
Accolade Wines, which is the fifth largest global wine company, is to split the existing role of European commercial general manager into two, covering mainland Europe and UK & Ireland, to focus better on these two strategically crucial markets.
UK: Pernod appoints new wine director
Pernod Ricard UK has promoted Chris Ellis to the role of commercial director of wines, with effect from July 1, 2012.
Bacardi GTR appoints new MD
Bacardi Global Travel Retail has appointed Mike Birch to the role of managing director.
Diageo appoints chief operating officer
Diageo has appointed Ivan Menezes to the newly created role of chief operating officer. Menezes is currently president Diageo North America and chairman of Diageo Asia Pacific and Diageo Latin America & Caribbean. He will take up the role on March 1, 2012.
Nick Hyde is the new WSTA chairman
The Wine and Spirit Trade Assoication (WSTA) has announced that Nick Hyde, managing director of Diageo Wines Europe, is its new chairman.
CIVB appoints marketing director
The Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) or Bordeaux Wine Council, which represents Bordeaux vine growers and négociants, has announced the appointment of François Jumeau as its new marketing director.
Foster's appoints CMO
Foster's Group has announced the appointment of Andy Gibson to the role of chief marketing officer. Andy is expected to start in the role on November 1.
Diageo appoints new Western Europe chief
Diageo has appointed a head of its Western Europe division. From September 1, John Kennedy is to become chief operating officer, Diageo Western Europe. Kennedy is currently managing director, Diageo Ireland.
Glenglassaugh splits distillery manager role
The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company has appointed Mhairi McDonald and Graeme Morrison, to together fill the out-going role of distillery manager.
Drambuie restructures after key retirement
Drambuie has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as future CEO and added Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Brown to its board of directors.
Stock Spirits enlists non-exec directors
Stock Spirits Group has appointed Waldemar Maj and Dominique Bach as non-executive directors.
Ian Macleod appoints business development manager
Ian Macleod Distillers has appointed Danielle Murphy as business development manager at its Scotland-based sales team.
Ara appoints Jeff Clarke chief winemaker
Jeff Clarke has been appointed chief winemaker at Marlborough’s Ara Wines.
Ara appoints sales and marketing GM
Ara, the Malborough-based New Zealand winery, has appointed Matthew Adams to the role of sales and marketing general manager.
Foster's CFO steps down
Foster's Group has announced that Angus McKay, chief financial officer (CFO) has submitted his resignation and will depart Foster’s towards the end of this year. McKay joined Foster’s in 2004 from Fonterra Australia and was finance director, Foster’s Australia, Asia and Pacific, before taking up the CFO role in January 2008.