Chief Executive Officer

UK Agri-Tech Centre; Elgin; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the whisky sector is seeking a Chief Executive to drive global brand development and growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and strategic skills, with experience in premium brand sectors preferred. Relocation to Speyside is preferred, although flexible arrangements may be considered.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses.
• Experience in premium or luxury brand sectors is preferred.
• Strong execution and transformation leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead global brand development and commercial initiatives.
• Drive growth through coordinated marketing strategies.
• Maintain a long-term perspective while executing business strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Commercial Acumen

Strategic Thinking

Job description

Located in Elgin, in the heart of the world-renowned whisky-producing region of Speyside, Gordon & MacPhail is a proudly independent, family-owned business with over 130 years of expertise in Single Malt Scotch Whisky. From its origins as a local retailer, the company has grown into a globally respected name, renowned for selecting, maturing, bottling, and exporting some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after malt whiskies. It also owns and develops its own whisky brands through two distilleries in Speyside.

Owned by the Urquhart family, Gordon & MacPhail operates with a clear sense of purpose and long-term ambition, guided by the belief that the future is shaped by today’s actions—and that today reflects the legacy of the past. The family and Board continue to take a generational view of growth, most notably demonstrated through the acquisition of Benromach Distillery in 1993 and the construction and development of The Cairn.

While the company waits until the mid-2030s to unveil the first single malt from The Cairn, it has launched CRN57, a range of blended malts that offers whisky explorers a preview of the aromas and flavours to come. These distilleries, both owned and operated by the company, are of strategic long-term importance—and at the heart of its growth ambition lies a renewed focus on developing and scaling their brands internationally.

About the role

Gordon & MacPhail is now seeking to appoint a Chief Executive to lead the next chapter of growth, driving the global development of its brand portfolio through coordinated commercial, marketing, and strategic initiatives.

The Board is looking for an ambitious, values-led and visionary leader with strong execution, communication, people, and commercial skills and judgement. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of successfully leading consumer-facing businesses—particularly in premium or luxury brand sectors—with an international growth mindset and the ability to lead transformation while maintaining a long-term, heritage-aware perspective.

Candidate requirements

Candidates are likely to have operated at Chief Executive, Managing Director or CCO level, with broad general management capabilities across sales, marketing, operations and strategy. Whisky sector experience is not essential, but an appreciation for craft, quality, brand-building and storytelling is.

Relocation to Speyside is preferred, given the importance of cultural and leadership presence; however, flexible arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

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To apply, please send your CV to Ailsa Sutherland at FWB at [e-mail] or alternatively you can contact her on 0131 539 7087 for an initial confidential discussion.

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