Edrington appoints Asia Pacific MD

Scottish spirits group Edrington has appointed Francois Saurel as its new regional managing director for Asia Pacific.

Francois Saurel has joined Edrington as head of its Asia Pacific business

Saurel takes over the role from Igor Boyadjian, who was appointed managing director of The Macallan in March this year.

With more than 20 years of experience in building consumer brands, Saurel joins Edrington after an extensive career at global beauty company Coty’s luxury and prestige divisions in Europe and Asia.

As general manager of Coty Luxury, he was also responsible for exclusive product ranges in the firm’s portfolio.

Saurel began his career with Procter & Gamble, where he was responsible for managing local and global marketing teams focusing on luxury and beauty.

Saurel steps into the new role this month, based in Singapore, and will report to Boyadjian.

“His leadership skills, global luxury brands experience and his proven commercial track record, make him an excellent addition to an already talented team,” said Boyadjian.

“He also brings with him strong competencies in working with JV (joint venture) and distribution partners and has led several important business transformation projects across a number of geographies including Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea.

“Francois will not only contribute new perspectives and insights to the role – helping us refine our strategy as we take Edrington’s iconic portfolio of brands to new heights – but he fully embraces the culture, history and values that set Edrington apart.”

Saurel added: “It is an honour to be leading the Edrington teams across Asia Pacific, a key strategic region for the business with many exciting opportunities and where Edrington is ideally placed to capitalise on premiumisation trends.

“Edrington is set up for significant long-term growth, thanks to its unrivalled portfolio of brands, great people and unique culture.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to accelerating the existing momentum and working with the team to deliver on our ambition to give more – to our people, our consumers, our shareholders and our communities – by building the world’s leading portfolio of exceptional super-premium spirits.”