Maxxium UK appoints new managing director

UK distributor Maxxium has appointed Mark Riley as its new managing director, following news Huw Pennell is to leave the group to join Edrington.

Riley, who joined Maxxium UK from Beam Global in 2009 and has 18 years experience in the drinks industry, will take up the role from 1 April 2015.

He previously held the positions of commercial operations director and off-trade sales director.

It was announced at the end of January that previous incumbent Pennell would be leaving Maxxium UK after 16 years to take up the newly created position of European regional managing director with Edrington – one of the firm’s shareholders.

“I am delighted to be taking the role at such a pivotal time,” said Riley. “We have just strengthened our portfolio with the integration of the Beam Suntory brands which alongside our Edrington brands create an unrivalled whisky offering and broadened liqueurs and specialties range.

“This is an exciting time as we recruit consumers into whisky and help them discover this wonderful category.

“Our expertise in whiskies and mixology will be a key part of our growth strategy and I look forward to partnering with our customers in this new chapter at Maxxium.”

Following the acquisition of Beam by Japanese drinks firm Suntory, Maxxium took control of the group’s Scotch and Japanese whisky distribution in the UK.

In October last year, Maxxium Travel Retail announced it will no longer operate from 1 April 2015 when Edrington and Beam Suntory will end their joint venture to create their own travel retail businesses.

Maxxium UK is part of the sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington.