Ex-Edrington UK MD to lead Witchmark Distillery
Former Edrington UK boss Mark Riley has joined English producer Witchmark Distillery as its new managing director.
Riley will assume the role from co-founder Alistair Munro, who has guided Witchmark from the beginning and through to the distillery becoming operational, its commercial launch, and B Corp certification.
Munro commented on his departure: “It has been an incredible journey taking Witchmark from an initial idea through to what it is today. I’m immensely proud of the team and everything we’ve built together.
“Mark is an exceptional leader with deep experience in premium spirits, and I’m delighted to be handing over to someone of his calibre and vision. I have no doubt he will build on these strong foundations and take Witchmark into an exciting next phase of growth.”
Riley brings almost 30 years of experience in the spirits industry to his new role, having held senior positions at Diageo, Beam, and Maxxium UK.
In 2015, he was appointed managing director of Edrington UK, where he oversaw Scotch whisky brands, including The Macallan and Highland Park.
Riley joins Witchmark as the distillery builds on the success of its first year of commercial trading while continuing to develop its whisky programme.
“After nearly three decades working across the great whisky traditions of Scotland, Japan and America, joining the English whisky revolution feels both energising and deeply meaningful,” Riley commented.
“What truly drew me to Witchmark is the remarkable team behind the distillery. I join with real humility, conscious that I am stepping into a business shaped by visionary founders and a committed board.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to something they have built with such care and conviction.”
In its first year of trading, Witchmark secured listings for its gin and vodka with premium retailers, regional pub groups, and high-end cocktail bars across the UK.
Notable partners include Berry Bros & Rudd, Amathus, Hedonism Wines, Selfridges, Hall & Woodhouse, Fuller’s, Shepherd Neame, St Austell Brewery, Butcombe Pubs & Inns, The Pig Hotels, The Nici Group, and The Hideout in Bath.
Additionally, the distillery serves as the official spirits supplier to Bath Rugby. As part of this partnership, Witchmark launched a co-branded limited edition gin.
Riley continued: “This breadth of distribution, achieved within a single year of trading, is a testament to the strength of the Witchmark proposition. I’m looking forward to building on these strong foundations and working with the team to accelerate growth, both in the UK and internationally.”
Witchmark Distillery, housed in a 17th-century barn in Wiltshire, England, filled its first whisky casks in 2024, laying the groundwork for single malts that are set to debut in 2027.
Currently, Witchmark is maturing more than 1,000 casks of English single malt, with an expected total of nearly 4,000 casks in the warehouse by the time of the first release.
Related news
Absolut: getting people talking about vodka again
