Former Scottish Enterprise boss appointed new chair of whisky firm

Former Scottish Enterprise chairman Crawford Gillies has been appointed chair of whisky-maker Edrington Group.

Mr Gillies replaces Norman Murray who has announced his intention to retire from the post he has held since 2013.

Murray will step down at this year’s Annual General Meeting when he will be succeeded by Mr Gillies who joined Edrington as a non-executive director earlier this year.

Mr Gillies is already a non-executive director on the boards of Perth-based energy giant SSE and Barclays, where he chairs the bank’s remuneration committee.

He has a wide range of business experience across four decades, initially with Bain & Company, a firm of international management consultants, where he became European managing director.

He also founded The Saltire Foundation, which helps develop entrepreneurial leadership in Scotland.

Crawford is a Scot, educated at Perth Academy, Edinburgh University and Harvard Business School.

Departing chair Norman Murray said: “I am very pleased to announce that Crawford will take over the chairmanship of Edrington and know that his extensive international business experience will be invaluable to the Company and I wish him all the very best.

“During my five years with Edrington I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this unique company. It has been a privilege to work with so many great people who have driven commercial success and simultaneously promoted the values that set Edrington apart. I am confident that they will build on that success and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”

Ian Curle, chief executive, added: “My colleagues and I have very much enjoyed working with Norman. He has chaired our board with distinction and we will miss his wise counsel and his positive encouragement. I would like to thank him for his commitment and dedication to Edrington and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”