Beard jumps ship from Bacardi for top role at W&M

Published on Tuesday 24 March 2009 20:34

A SENIOR figure from the UK drinks industry has been appointed as the head of Whyte & MacKay to lead the distiller's expansion plans in both domestic and international markets.

John Beard, former chief executive of Bacardi Brown Forman, is to replace Ashwin Malik as chief executive.

Malik, who has led the Glasgow-based company since its takeover by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya in 2007, is to return to India. Flamboyant tycoon Mallya, who also owns the Kingfisher airline and beer brands and whose United Spirits firm is India's biggest alcoholic drinks company, paid 600 million for W&M.

Beard, who held a variety of roles at Bacardi over a 19-year period, said: "I have been really impressed with Whyte & Mackay's performance and its commitment to building not only strong brands, but strong international brands.

"I have met Dr Mallya personally, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is committed to this company, committed to building great premium brands, and committed to making Whyte & Mackay a major international spirits company."

He added: "I am looking forward to doing my bit to help that become a reality."

Malik added: "I have enjoyed my time here in Scotland and have met many wonderful people, but the time is right to return to India with my family."

W&M reported a 25.6m profit last September for the 18 months since Mallya took over.

Beard's appointment comes soon after that of global sales and marketing director Nick Garland who joined the company from Beam Global in January.

Since the acquisition, W&M has set up new subsidiary companies and fully-manned regional offices in Dubai, Taiwan and the US, while it has also made new distribution agreements in Australia, India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and the United States.

Mallya last year caused controversy when he suggested whisky producers should experiment with flavours to make the product more attractive to younger consumers.