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Gordon & MacPhail appoints new chief executive
Elgin-based whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has named Phillip White as its new chief executive.
White will join the family-owned business in early April 2024, as it moves into a new phase prioritising international growth of its brand over its UK wholesale business.
“Taking on the role of chief executive at Gordon & MacPhail is an honour,” White said. “The company has grown significantly, particularly over the last few years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building a successful family business committed to inspiring enthusiasts around the world to discover, appreciate and enjoy the finest single malt whiskies and highest quality spirits.”
White’s experience in the food and drink industry includes his most recent post as managing director of Kent Frozen Foods and Medina Foodservice. He also spent 10 years with Bacardi and Brown-Forman.
Neil Urquhart, chairman of Gordon & MacPhail, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming Phillip to the Gordon & MacPhail team and believe he is the right person to lead the business.
“This is an exciting time for the company, as we look forward to executing our ambitious plans to continue building our brands internationally, developing our workforce and embarking on a significant capital investment phase to prepare the business for future growth while remaining true to our values.”
The appointment of the new chief executive follows a successful financial year for the business. During the financial year ending February 2023, Gordon & MacPhail’s total sales grew by nearly a quarter (24.3%) to £46.5 million (US$59.2m).
The release of Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80 Years Old, the company’s oldest single malt to date, and the success of Benromach were deemed to be significant contributors to the company’s financial results.
In May 2022, Gordon & MacPhail opened its second whisky distillery, The Cairn, in the Cairngorm National Park, before opening its doors to the public in October of the same year.
The company is launching the Gordon & MacPhail Whisky Experience in 2024, on the original premises of the business’s establishment in 1895. The experience will include guided tours, interpretative displays, a ‘liquid library’ and tastings of the world’s rarest single malts.
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director of Gordon & MacPhail, is stepping down this year after three decades at the company.