Gordon & MacPhail appoints Chief Executive

Issue Date: 10 January 2024

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin based family-owned whisky specialist, today announces the appointment of Phillip White as Chief Executive.

Joining the business in early April 2024, White will lead the company as it moves into its next chapter of development, focusing on international growth of its own brands including Benromach and The Cairn.

White brings with him a wealth of leadership experience in the food and drink industry, most recently from his position as Managing Director of Kent Frozen Foods and Medina Foodservice. Well versed in international growth, he has led a career spanning marketing, sales and distribution within the food wholesale and spirits sectors, including 10 years with Bacardi and Brown-Forman. Experienced in working for both family businesses and PLCs, White will support the Gordon & MacPhail team to achieve its ambitious strategic growth aspirations.

Commenting on the appointment, Neil Urquhart, Chairman at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Phillip to the Gordon & MacPhail team and believe he is the right person to lead the business, thanks in part to his excellent leadership qualities, and experience working with global brands, UK retail distribution and the wider spirits industry.

“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.”

Phillip White added: “Taking on the role of Chief Executive at Gordon & MacPhail is an honour. 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.”

The appointment of the new Chief Executive comes shortly after the company reported that during the financial year ended February 2023, total sales increased by 24.3% to £46.5m, buoyed by the successful release of Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80 Years Old, the company’s oldest single malt to date.  Benromach continued to be a significant contributor to the company’s success with sales and volumes increasing 14.5% and 9.5% respectively.   

In 2022 Gordon & MacPhail opened its second whisky distillery, The Cairn, in the Cairngorm National Park. Part of the organisation’s focus on securing the long-term future of its brands and investing in the future of the whisky industry, the distillery was operational in May 2022 before opening its doors to the public in October 2022. 

For more information on Gordon & MacPhail visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.