William Grant names new CEO

Glenfiddich owner William Grant & Sons has appointed Heineken’s president for Europe, Søren Hagh, as its new chief executive officer.

Hagh will become CEO on 1 January 2024, taking over the position from Glenn Gordon, who will remain as a non-executive director of the board.

In his current role at Dutch brewing giant Heineken, Hagh is responsible for all of the company’s operations in Europe, the firm’s largest division.

Before becoming president, he served as Heineken’s managing director of Italy and executive director of global marketing.

His earlier career included working with L’Oreal in both marketing and in-market distribution management positions, and with Lego as global marketing director.

A spokesperson for family-owned William Grant & Sons said: “There is no doubt that Søren will provide strong leadership for the company, as he brings a tremendous wealth of relevant experience to the business from his many years working in the drinks sector and with his substantial commercial and marketing experience building global consumer brands in a number of sectors.”

Hagh has an MBA from Insead, a business school in France, as well as a master’s and bachelor’s degree from the Aarhus University in Denmark.

William Grant & Sons said the business is well positioned for consistent growth in the long term with Hagh at its helm.

The company saw revenue rise by double digits last year, with profit returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The firm recently acquired English gin brand Silent Pool for an undisclosed sum.