A FAMILY-OWNED Scotch whisky company has appointed a familiar face as its new sales director.
Gordon & MacPhail has announced that Richard Urquhart, a fourth-generation member of the family that owns the company, was promoted to the position after over 15 years with the business.
Richard takes on the role after spending six months acting as interim sales director, having previously worked across several deparments, most recently as head of sales (Americas).
With Richard having travelled around the world building relationships with distributors and customers, the company is hoping that his experience will help boost the further development of Gordon & MacPhail, The Cairn and Benromach brands in key markets.
Many of these relationships extend back 60 years to the second generation of the Urquhart family, nurtured by the third generation, with Richard part of the fourth generation of the family to develop and strengthen these long-term business relationships.
In his new role, Richard will continue to deliver the company’s ambitious long-term plans by growing the sales of the distinctive spirit brands around the world.
Commenting on the appointment, Phillip White, chief executive of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Building and nurturing strong relationships is fundamental to the success of our business – a value that Richard shares and embodies in his role at Gordon & MacPhail.
“He is already a huge asset to our team, and we are delighted to see him step into the position of sales director on a permanent basis.
“It is an exciting time for the company as we look to the future of our brands, continuing to grow their presence internationally as well as investing closer to home, too.”
Richard added: “In my new role, I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues and trade partners, as we work together to further build a successful family business committed to inspiring enthusiasts around the world to discover, appreciate and enjoy the finest single malt whiskies and highest quality spirits.”
The news follows recent local investment made by Gordon & MacPhail to a new, temporary retail space and whisky tasting room at Johnstons of Elgin on Newmill Road, Elgin.
The venue officially opened to the public on 1 March 2025, offering a modern and immersive whisky experience for visitors.
In 2022 Gordon & MacPhail opened its second whisky distillery, The Cairn, in the Cairngorms National Park.
Part of the organisation’s focus on securing the long-term future of its brands and investing in the future of the whisky industry, the distillery was operational in May 2022 before opening its doors to the public in October 2022.