UK: Whyte & Mackay appoints travel retail chief

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 5 September 2008

Scotch whisky group Whyte & Mackay has unveiled a new travel retail director as the group looks to increase its focus on the sector.

Whyte & Mackay, owned by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, said yesterday (4 September) that it has appointed Francesco Scaglione, previously of Allied Domecq and Pernod Ricard, to head its travel retail unit.

Scaglione's job will be to increase Whyte & Mackay's presence in key markets, such as America and Russia, the group said.

His predecessor, James Prescott, who joined the firm in 2006 from World Duty Free, has left to take up another job in travel retail overseas, a Whyte & Mackay spokesperson said. No further details regarding his departure were available.

Scaglione said: "I believe we can be the preferred premium and luxury whisky partner for the travel sector. We have the right and best products, and with the right promotion and pricing plans, we can create a win win situation for all - us, our customers and our consumers."

The Italian-Canadian said he would reveal some of his plans for the business at next month's TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Whyte & Mackay, Allied Domecq, Pernod, Ricard