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Chairpersons

Gordon & MacPhail CEO Steps Down After Brief Tenure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin-based Scotch whisky company, has announced the departure of its chief executive, Phillip White, who has left the business to pursue other opportunities and interests. Chairman Neil Urquhart will take on the role of acting chief executive. White's 13-month tenure at the helm of the family-owned firm followed his appointment in April 2024. Prior to joining Gordon & MacPhail, White had a career in marketing, sales, and distribution within the food wholesale and spirits sectors, including 10 years with Bacardi and Brown-Forman.

Key Takeaways:

  • Phillip White, the chief executive of Gordon & MacPhail, has left the business to pursue other opportunities and interests, with Neil Urquhart taking on the role of acting chief executive.
  • White's departure comes after a 13-month tenure at the helm of the family-owned firm, which he joined in April 2024.
  • Prior to joining Gordon & MacPhail, White had a career in marketing, sales, and distribution within the food wholesale and spirits sectors, including 10 years with Bacardi and Brown-Forman.
  • Gordon & MacPhail owns two distilleries, Benromach in Forres and The Cairn near Grantown-on-Spey.
  • The company announced in July 2023 that it would no longer fill casks with spirit from distilleries it does not own, having secured a pipeline of its own single malt from its own whisky-making sites.
  • The company made a profit before tax of £4.3 million in the year to February 2024, compared with £17.4m in the preceding year.
  • Total sales fell to £34.4m from £46.5m last time, reflecting a return to normalised levels of profit.

Statistics:

  • 13 months: Phillip White's tenure as chief executive of Gordon & MacPhail.
  • April 2024: The month White joined the business.
  • 10 years: White's tenure with Bacardi and Brown-Forman.
  • £4.3 million: Profit before tax in the year to February 2024.
  • £17.4m: Profit before tax in the preceding year.
  • £34.4m: Total sales in the year to February 2024.
  • £46.5m: Total sales in the previous year.

Sources:

  • Spokesperson for Gordon & MacPhail
  • "New STV chief reveals why television firm is coming to the radio" [Scottish daily newspaper]
  • "Why Marks & Spencer chief is keeping calm despite £300m profits blow" [Scottish daily newspaper]
  • Gordon & MacPhail annual accounts for the year to February 29, 2024.

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