UK: Ian Macleod hires travel retail director

 Ian Macleod Distillers has appointed a new director of travel retail.

The company said today (6 November) that Andy Lane, who has over 20 years experience in the travel retail and duty-free markets, will support the distiller's five-year sales and marketing plan to "increase the company's presence, volume and profit within global travel retail".

Lane, previously Whyte & Mackay's director of travel retail, has already been working as a consultant for Ian Macleod for the past six months, assisting in the development of the company's travel retail strategy.

Ian Macleod Distillers managing director Leonard Russell said: "Andy is a very welcome addition to the Ian Macleod team. His industry knowledge and expertise will be a key element in directing our future growth in the travel retail  market."

The Ian Macleod portfolio includes brands such as Glengoyne Highland Single Malt and blended whiskies King Robert II and Langs.

Over the next five years, Ian Macleod plans to increase its travel retail sales from 8%  to 10% of its overall business.

Last month, Ian Macleod launched Glengoyne Burnfoot and Smokehead Extra Rare to the travel retail portfolio in an effort to reinforce the company's commitment to the sector.

Leonard added: "As independent distillers, we are in a strong position in the malts sector to respond to consumers who look to travel retail channels to try something new or source limited editions and collections."