Close Menu
News

Edrington CEO Ian Curle to step down

Scottish spirits firm Edrington has announced that its CEO Ian Curle will retire next year and will be succeeded by managing director of The Macallan Scott McCroskie.

L-r: Ian Curle will retire as CEO of Edrington and will be succeeded by Scott McCroskie

Curle, who has held the role of chief executive since 2004, will step down from his position in March 2019.

Following a “thorough and thoughtful search process”, McCroskie was selected as Curle’s successor. McCroskie, currently a member of the Edrington board, will take over the role on 1 April 2019.

Curle joined the business in 1986 through Edrington’s subsidiary Lang Brothers, becoming group operations directer in 1997. He took over from Sir Ian Good as chief executive.

Curle has held the role of chairman of the North British Distillery since 2002. He was a former chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, and is an advisor to the UK Board of Trade.

During his time as CEO, Curle has transformed the business into a “leading premium spirits brand-building company” with 3000 employees. In that time, The Macallan has become the world’s most valuable single malt.

A new £140 million (US$188.4m) Macallan distillery and visitor centre opened in June this year, enabling production of the brand to increase by a third.

Crawford Gillies, chairman of Edrington said: “Ian has led Edrington to become one of the world’s leading international premium spirit companies. On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank him for his 32 years of outstanding service, and particularly the 15 years in which he has been a wise and inspiring chief executive.

“Ian exemplifies the Edrington ethos of ‘giving more’ and his vision has transformed Edrington, positioning the company well for the great opportunities that lie ahead. We wish him a very happy retirement, together with his wife and family.”

Curle said: “It has been a privilege to have been part of a unique and genuinely leading organisation that contributes so much to the industry and so much to Scotland. I would like to thank the trustees of our principal owner, The Robertson Trust, for their support over many years.

“I have been fortunate to work with an exceptional group of people across our board and senior leadership team.

“Edrington’s best days lie ahead, and through Scott’s leadership it will continue to be an ambitious, dynamic business, and a cornerstone of the Scotch whisky industry that maintains and nurtures the ethos of giving more that has underpinned the company for 157 years.”

McCroskie added: “It has been a privilege working with Ian over the past 10 years. He has led Edrington to great success, and leaves an amazing legacy, not least with the new Macallan distillery.

“I am delighted to take on the CEO role from Ian, and fully intend to work with the team at Edrington to build on the strong position we have achieved under his leadership.”

Last month, Edrington sold its blended Scotch whisky brand Cutty Sark to French drinks group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet for an undisclosed sum.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No