Gordon & MacPhail CEO to leave after one year
The CEO of Gordon & MacPhail (G&M), Phillip White, will step down from the company after a year in the role due to a “positive change” in his family circumstances.
White joined the Elgin-based whisky specialist in April 2024 as the company moved to grow its business internationally.
Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, White said: “After an incredibly rewarding year as CEO at Gordon & MacPhail, I’ll soon be stepping away from the role due to a change in our family circumstances.
“This decision comes with mixed emotions – gratitude for a truly fulfilling experience, and excitement for what lies ahead. When I first joined G&M, our family’s plan was to relocate to Elgin permanently. As a deeply rooted, community-first business, G&M’s presence in Elgin is more than symbolic – it’s foundational to the company’s identity, ethos and values.
“However, due to a (positive) change in our family’s circumstances, remaining in Elgin is no longer practical for us, and we’ve made the difficult decision to relocate back down to the South East [of England].
“That said, I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved together over the past year. I’ve had the privilege of leading a talented and passionate team through a period of transformation, intelligent innovation and profitability, while building on the company’s rich heritage and strengthening its future foundations.”
The Spirits Business contacted G&M for details on the company’s succession plans.
A spokesperson for Gordon & MacPhail said: “I can confirm that Phillip White, chief executive at Gordon & MacPhail has left the business to pursue other opportunities and interests. Neil Urquhart, chair of the board, has in the meantime stepped into the role of acting chief executive.”
During his year at the helm of the company, White noted strong profit growth in a challenging market environment, a refreshed company strategy and more unified leadership, as moments he was particularly proud of.
Looking to the future, he added: “Beyond the results, this experience has been a profound learning journey – about heritage and luxury brands, the power of community, and the strength of purpose-led leadership. I’ve grown as a leader, made lifelong connections, and leave with a deep appreciation for the values that define Gordon & MacPhail as a brand and as a family business.
“As I look to my next chapter, I’m excited to explore new opportunities where I can bring the same energy, clarity and commercial focus to another ambitious organisation — this time back in the south of England – and ideally one where I can once again combine strategic leadership with operational excellence, and build something meaningful with a great team.
“I remain a huge supporter of G&M and its future, and I’m confident the business will continue to thrive in its next phase.”
Before joining G&M, White was the managing director of Kent Frozen Foods and Medina Foodservice. He also spent 10 years with Bacardi and Brown-Forman.
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