Mike Keiller joins '˜most exclusive' spirits firm

Former Morrison Bowmore chief Mike Keiller has joined The Last Drop Distillers

Keiller, who spent 14 years as chief executive of the Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch maker, will oversee The Last Drop’s financial and corporate strategy in his new role.

The firm was founded in 2008 and seeks out and bottles rare casks of some of the world’s oldest spirits, such as a 1967 Glen Garioch single malt and a 1950 Cognac.

Keiller said: “The Last Drop is finding and creating an exceptional collection of spirits, whilst also proving itself as a strong business model that’s entrenched in exclusivity, craft and excellence.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to lead on the company’s corporate strategy and development at this stage of its growth and am thoroughly looking forward to being part of its passionate and tight-knit team of true spirits pioneers.”

Founder and chairman James Espey, the Scotch industry veteran who was a driving force behind brands including Chivas Regal, J&B Rare and Johnnie Walker, added: “Mike has a fantastic breadth of drinks industry experience, showing what he’s capable of during 14 successful years as CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers.

“His record of delivering strong business and financial results makes us confident that his knowledge and vision will play an integral role in driving the company forward as we look to expand through 2016 and beyond.”