Bladnoch hires ex-Macallan director as CEO

Lowland whisky distillery Bladnoch has appointed Glen Gribbon, former marketing director of The Macallan, to lead the team as CEO.

Gribbon will navigate the brand through its next phase of global growth while overseeing a new leadership team appointed by Bladnoch owner David Prior.

“Having built a strong inventory since acquiring the business, we are now in a position to accelerate the growth of Bladnoch single malt,” commented Prior.

“To drive growth, we wanted to recruit the best marketing and commercial capabilities we could find, and The Macallan seemed like a great place to start.

“Glen’s experience with fast growth premium brands will make him a great CEO, but just as importantly as his experience, I know he is aligned with the values of the Bladnoch business.”

This move will allow Prior to maintain a close connection while he transitions away from day-to-day operations.

Gribbon said: “What David has achieved since buying the distillery is incredible – the definition of brave – and it gives the new team an excellent foundation to build on.

“There is a powerful brand and whisky story to tell, and our job is now to effectively tell this story to premium whisky drinkers worldwide.”

Prior has also strengthened Bladnoch’s commercial and marketing capabilities with the appointment of three industry experts: former managing director of Edrington Taiwan, David Pattison; Jonathan Owen, who is taking the role of commercial director for EMEA and Americas; and Allison Renfrew, who has joined as Bladnoch’s marketing manager.

The timing of these appointment is said to align with a ‘pivotal juncture’ in Bladnoch’s journey, as the availability of mature whisky stock ‘ushers in an era of accelerated growth’.

The expansion of the leadership team follows Bladnoch’s recent launches of The Samhla Collection and The Dragon Series.