De Almeida to depart William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons has announced the departure of André de Almeida, regional director for Europe travel retail, who is to leave the business at the end of July.

André de Almeida is departing William Grant & Sons after four years with the firm

He joined William Grant in 2012 from Edrington, where he held the position of commercial area director overseeing a number of travel retail and domestic markets.

“I am happy to confirm that I will be taking up the position of managing director for global travel retail at the Loch Lomond Group with the clear remit of developing the overall business and strategy for growth in the channel,” de Almeida wrote in a LinkedIn post.

“I decided that the opportunity presented at the Loch Lomond Group was too good to miss out on. I look forward to meeting the many contacts in the industry from August onwards once I start in my new role with the Loch Lomond Group.”

Ed Cottrell, managing director for GTR at William Grant & Sons, commented: “André joined us from The Edrington Group four years ago and has led the GTR Europe region since then, building strong relationships with his customers

“Under his tenure the Europe GTR business for William Grant & Sons has increased significantly. On behalf of William Grant & Sons, I would like to express our sincere thanks for his contribution and to wish him the very best in the future.”

De Almeida added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company and have made many friends along the way. I will always consider myself to be part of the William Grant & Sons’ extended family.”

In April 2016, William Grant & Sons announced two new appointments to its European travel retail team. Marina Steel, formerly business development manager for world travel retail at The Hershey Company, joined as business development manager GTR Europe; while Jillie Cooper was appointed business development executive.