Reynier leaves Bruichladdich; Coughlin steps in

Simon Coughlin, former operations director at Islay whisky distillery Bruichladdich, has stepped in as CEO following the departure of Mark Reynier.

Simon Coughlin will take over control of Bruichladdich as CEO

Reynier, who resurrected Bruichladdich in 2000, sold the company to Remy Cointreau in July for £58m.

He announced at the time that he would be leaving the company, but this week issued a statement announcing his formal departure.

“It has been quite a ride since we set out to resurrect this abandoned distillery, a journey which raised many industry eyebrows at the time,” Reynier said.

“Along the way I have met some wonderful people – customers, colleagues, Ileachs – whose support for this project has been equally passionate.

“It was a privilege to put Bruichladdich firmly on the map, and I am convinced the future prospects for this exceptional whisky are secure with

Remy.”

Coughlin, a former wine merchant before joining Bruichladdich as operations director, will now take over the helm as CEO with immediate effect.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank my great friend Mark Reynier for having had the startling vision to buy Bruichladdich Distillery back in 2000.

Reynier “inspirational”

“Bruichladdich has achieved many things under Mark’s inspirational stewardship.  Above all, he has proved beyond doubt that there is a ‘different’ way to run a single malt whisky distilling business.

“Now that Mark’s work at Bruichladdich is done I am personally determined to protect his remarkable legacy.  I believe the whole Bruichladdich team will wish his vision to grow and prosper and continue to challenge convention and push at the boundaries of our industry. “

In the past decade, since its acquisition from Whyte & Mackay for £6m, Bruichladdich single malt Scotch has grown to 50,000 cases.

The distillery has become renowned for its stance to remain independent, progressive and experimental.

As such, some have condemned the sale of the distillery to French drinks giant Remy Cointreau as Reynier “selling-out”.

“It was the quality of the spirit that first attracted me to Bruichladdich,” Reynier said. “My aim was to get it the attention it truly deserved.”

Reynier has not revealed what he plans to do next.