Farrar to leave Edrington amid executive shuffle

Bill Farrar, managing director super-premium, is to leave Edrington in June 2017 as new heads are announced to lead the company’s regional power brands and global travel retail divisions.

Bill Farrar is to leave Edrington after more than 27 years with the firm

Farrar, who joined the Macallan Scotch maker in 1989, will leave the company in June 2017 to “pursue new business interests”.

During his tenure, Farrer led the marketing strategy for a range of brands, and joined the board in 2003.

He will be succeeded by Paul Ross, the current Edrington Americas president. In turn, Chris Spalding, commercial director, North America, will take up the role of president.

In the same announcement Edrington confirmed Aristotelis ‘Tellis’ Baroutsis will depart the Global Travel Retail business to lead the Regional Power Brands unit, which spans The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark blended Scotch whiskies and Brugal rum. The Spirits Business understands he will relocate from Singapore to Glasgow, Scotland, to take up the position.

Igor Boyadjian, the previous co-owner of the Edrington-Fix joint venture, which Edrington took complete control of in April 2016, will replace Baroutsis as Global Travel Retail managing director.

Bill has been a friend and colleague for nearly thirty years, during which time he has contributed strongly to Edrington’s growth and success,” said Ian Curle, Edrington chief executive. “I would like to thank him for his valued support and commitment, and wish him all the best in his future business interests.

“When Edrington moves into its new global headquarters in Glasgow in the spring, I am delighted that we will be joined by two of our most experienced international leaders in global roles.”

Edrington confirmed the Glasgow location of its new international headquarters in September 2016. It is understood the move from the existing office in Perth could lead to a “small number” of job losses.