Ex-Campari global chief executive Matteo Fantacchiotti has been appointed as partner and chairman of Welsh gin brand Cygnet.

The Distillers’ Charity hosted its second biennial One of One Auction, in partnership with Sotheby’s, comprising a selection of ultra-rare Scotch whiskies.

St. Lucia Distillers has launched its ‘spiritourism project’ the Saint Lucia Rum Experience, a continuation of development for the single rum distillery on the island.

Hatch Mansfield managing director Patrick McGrath MW is stepping up to the newly created role of chairman.

The former chairman of baijiu giant Kweichow Moutai has been sentenced to life in prison for taking 112.9 million yuan ($17.5 million) in bribes.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues landed one of the top jobs in the Scotch whisky industry when he took over as chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers this summer.

The Macallan has revealed Folio 6, the latest instalment in the Scottish distillery’s Archival Series which takes inspiration from classic advertising campaigns of the brand

Tullamore DEW brand ambassador John Quinn has been named the new chairman of trade group Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey Association.

Pernod Ricard has announced board changes, following the sudden death of Patrick Ricard, which sees Alexandre Ricard step up preparation to become chairman and CEO in January 2015.

Patrick Ricard the titular head of the Pernod Ricard family, has died. He was 67. Cause of death has not been disclosed but it is believed to be a heart attack.

Owsley Brown Frazier, the great-grandson of the distiller who founded Brown-Forman Corp and former vice chairman of Brown-Forman Corporation died yesterday (August 16) after a long illness. He was 77 years old.

SAB Miller has announced a number of directorate and senior management changes that will become effective from the company’s annual general meeting on July 26, 2012.

Campari America has joined the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

Bacardi has appointed a new CEO, following the retirement of Séamus McBride.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Assoication (WSTA) has announced that Nick Hyde, managing director of Diageo Wines Europe, is its new chairman.

Pernod Ricard has announced a number of staff changes.

Owsley Brown II, former chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman has died after a brief illness. He was 69 years old.

The Glenmorangie Company has promoted chief operating officer Paul Skipworth to the post of president and managing director.

Portugal: The Blandy Group has regained control of the Madeira Wine Company (MWC) from Symington Family Estates. Symington will still retain a minority share in the business, but intends to concentrate on its Cockburn port brand, which it purchased last year.

Drambuie has announced the appointment of Michael Kennedy as future CEO and added Brendan O’Neill and Jonathan Brown to its board of directors.

Off trade wine supplier Off Piste has appointed a new chairman. Jerry Lockspeiser, who founded Bottle Green in 1990, is to help guide the business’s strategic development.