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William Grant CEO Stella David steps down
Stella David, CEO of Glenfiddich Scotch whisky and Hendrick’s gin producer William Grant & Sons, is to step down from her role after six years.
Stella David has left William Grant & Sons to focus on her non-executive positions
David, who joined William Grant & Sons in 2009, will be succeeded by the company’s current chief commercial officer, Simon Hunt, on 1 March 2016. David will continue to work with the independent group in an advisory capacity until the end of May 2016.
She has resigned in order to focus on her existing portfolio of non-executive directorships. Currently, David sits on the boards of C&J Clark Ltd and HomeServe plc and spent seven years as a non-executive director of Nationwide Building Society.
“We are all very grateful for Stella’s enormous contribution to the business in recent years,” said Glenn Gordon, William Grant & Sons chairman. “In particular, she has brought an exceptional level of energy and drive to our business, while significantly enhancing the premiumness of our brands and their appeal to consumers.
“This has evidenced itself both in the company’s results and the overall progress of the business in terms of the depth of talent we are privileged to have and the amount of passion that is felt all over the company.”
Simon Hunt will step into the role of William Grant & Sons’ CEO on 1 March 2016
In her time at the company, David has overseen a number of landmarks, including William Grant’s recent acquisition of Scotch whisky-based liqueur Drambuie.
“I am immensely proud of my time at William Grant & Sons and there is no doubt that there is a huge amount I am going to miss about the company,” she said.
“It has been an incredible journey, with a focus on building brands, planning for the long term, working with a talented array of people and very supportive family shareholders. I wish the company every success for the future.”
Hunt first joined the firm as managing director, North America, in 2007 and has acted as chief commercial officer since 2013.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the great team at William Grant & Sons and build on the strong momentum we have been achieving with our world class, premium brands,” he said.
William Grant & Sons reported record profits in 2014/15, however the group’s sales declined following a reduction in the distribution of third party brands.