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Gordon Buchanan joins Drinksology
Belfast-based Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG) has hired industry veteran Gordon Buchanan to drive strategic global growth.
Buchanan will join DKG in a newly-created role as regional director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and global travel retail (GTR).
With more than 30 years of experience in the drinks industry, he has held senior commercial and marketing roles at Bacardi, Beam Suntory and Treasury Wine Estates.
In his most recent role as regional controller at BrewDog Plc, Buchanan is said to have played a pivotal role in the company’s rise to become one of Europe’s best-selling craft beer brands within six years.
At Drinksology Kirker Greer, Buchanan will lead and oversee the implementation of the company’s three-year strategic growth plan across EMEA and GTR.
He will focus on elevating DKG’s core brands, including Ukiyo Japanese Spirits, Jawbox Gin, Born Irish Whiskey, Bowsaw American Whiskey and Kadoo Rum.
Ryan McFarland, chief commercial and strategy officer at Drinksology Kirker Greer, commented: “Over the past 24 months, we have been strategically strengthening our team, building long-term plans, and steadily advancing into our next growth phase.
“Gordon’s proven track record of creativity and his ability to effectively engage with distributors and consumers across our key regions will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious growth objectives.”
At DKG, Buchanan will focus on collaborating with high-performing distribution partners in premium spirits across the on-trade and off-trade channels, as well as in airports, cruise lines, and airlines.
Buchanan said: “After spending 17 years working in London, I returned to Belfast six years ago and was amazed by the transformation in the market and the rise of incredible home-grown brands – it was something I knew I wanted to be part of.
“DKG is poised for a future filled with innovation and success; I was immediately drawn to the company’s agile, creative, visionary and entrepreneurial approach, and I’m excited to bring DKG’s
award-winning brands to the EMEA market.”
Drinksology Kirker Greer Group was recognised with a B Corp certification in October 2024.
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