William Grant reshuffles leadership team

William Grant & Sons has promoted Rita Greenwood to the role of managing director of Europe, Middle East & Africa, at the same time as announcing further leadership changes.

Rita Greenwood has been promoted to the role of managing director of EMEA

UK commercial director Neil Barker will take over Greenwood’s former role of managing director of UK & Ireland. A new UK commercial director is currently being recruited.

Greenwood will join the Executive Board and will also remain on the Board of William Grant & Sons France and William Grant & Sons UK.

Chris Mason will also move to a new role within William Grant & Sons Corporate Affairs. He will maintain his strong relationship with the UK market, as he continues to chair the William Grant & Sons UK Board.

The leadership shuffle come as a result of changes to the global commercial structure at the company, which now consists of three regional roles: a newly-created EMEA region, the Americas, and Asia.

“The new WG&S global commercial structure consolidates team responsibilities across markets, provides strong platforms for our common ways of working, and ensures that we are growing our own leadership capabilities internally,” said William Grant & Sons CEO Simon Hunt.

Greenwood added: “The UK will continue to be a priority market for me, playing a critical role within the new EMEA region. Neil shares my passion for the UK business, and I am confident that this appointment will ensure both continuity of strategy and strong leadership within the UK team.”

Barker said: “Since joining the business earlier this year I have been overwhelmed by the passion and determination that goes into running this family-owned business. Taking on the role of managing director for the UK & Ireland is an exciting next step. I look forward to continuing the momentum that has been delivered to date in 2017, and driving forward our ambitious growth plans for the future, together with our key partners.”