Isle of Harris Distillers’ managing director, Simon Erlanger, is leaving the business at the end of September after a 14-year tenure at the company.
In a statement, the company’s board said Erlanger has been “instrumental in the success of the business since its inception” in 2015.
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Isle of Harris Distillers confirmed to Just Drinks that Erlanger heading into retirment “but does intend to stay connected to the whisky industry”.
The Scottish gin and whisky maker also said it currently has no plans to appoint a new managing director. Instead, Ron MacEachran will oversee the company but retaining his current executive chairman position.
MacEachran said: “As is the nature of business, change provides us with an opportunity for renewed growth. Following Simon’s departure, I will continue in my role of executive chairman, overseeing the business as it moves positively forward.”
The board said that under Erlanger’s leadership, Isle of Harris Distillers established two “well respected international spirits brands” and laid the groundwork for multi-generational employment on the Isle of Harris.
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By GlobalDataThe distillery produces Isle of Harris Gin and Hearach single malt whisky, available in 20 countries, including markets such as the US, UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Commenting on his retirement, Erlanger said: “Very few have the chance to establish a new Scotch whisky distillery, let alone one with such a special purpose. I am immensely proud of what this team has created and I am confident that the foundations we have built will see the distillery fulfil its founding mission.
“I would like to thank Anderson Bakewell [founder] for entrusting me with this project and am grateful for the support and guidance from the board over the years.”
Looking ahead, MacEachran said Isle of Harris remained confident in the company’s domestic and international growth prospects in spite of “the challenges and significant change being managed by the company and the spirits industry generally”.
He added: “Moving forward, we remain focused on the provision of products and service of the highest quality to our ever increasing consumers and customers, and to the company’s long-term mission.”
Earlier this year, Isle of Harris Distillers initiated a restructuring programme that involved reducing production levels and workforce as part of several cost-cutting steps.
At the time, Erlanger said the decision was being made “to safeguard the future of our business”.
He added: “Much like our colleagues in the wider spirits industry, we are facing challenging headwinds which have led to some incredibly difficult decisions.
