NewsScotch Whisky
International Beverage Names New Group Manager And New Speyburn Manager
International Beverage has today announced two key appointments to its Scottish team, as the business gears up to deliver ambitious global growth plans across its award-winning portfolio.
Following the retirement of long-standing Speyburn Distillery Manager Bobby Anderson in April, former William Grant Distilleries Process Leader Euan Henderson has been confirmed as his successor. Having started his career at Edradour Distillery and Allied Distillers, Euan went on to work for Chivas Brothers at Aberlour, Tormore, Glenallachie, The Glenlivet and others in a variety of operational roles, before moving to William Grant to work at their Balvenie, Kininvie and Glenfiddich Distilleries.
“It’s an enormous honor to be taking the reins at Speyburn, after the long and distinguished service of Bobby Anderson,” commented Euan.” As well as being one of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, it produces a whisky of incredible character and quality, which has been justly rewarded around the world over the years. These are big shoes to fill, but I’ll be honoring Bobby’s legacy of craftsmanship and sustainability, working with the wonderful distillery team to hatch some exciting plans as we celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2022.”
The business was also bolstered earlier this year with the arrival of Sean Priestly as Group Distilleries Manager. His remit is to oversee operations at the company’s five distilleries, which produce Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended whisky and Caorunn Gin.
With a background in pharmaceuticals and 10 years’ experience at Diageo under his belt working in distilling and the malts team at Clynelish, Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries, Sean is focusing on growth, people and sustainability in his new role.
“In my first few months with International Beverage I’ve been so impressed with the quality of their spirits, and also how ahead they are in terms of sustainability – a field in which they’re well on their way to being leaders in the sector. It’s very exciting to be part of business that doesn’t just talk, and isn’t afraid to innovate and take proper action to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, particularly at a time when consumers are looking for products made with the minimum impact on the environment,” said Sean. “International Beverage also understands the value of people, and in doing things with passion and authenticity to make great products and brands. It’s a real privilege to be working with their team of talented and committed distillery managers to achieve some exciting plans together.”
International Beverage is also boosting its flourishing graduate and apprentice program with an additional four roles currently being filled across its distilleries and at its Airdrie headquarters.