The Artisanal Spirits Company has appointed Billy McCarter, formerly interim finance director, as its new chief financial officer, with immediate effect.
In January, following the appointment of former finance chief Andrew Dane as chief executive, the board initiated an independent search process for a long-term CFO, which comprised both internal and external candidates.
McCarter is an ACCA qualified accountant, with career financial experience in the whisky and spirits industries, including around eight years with Diageo. He joined the Artisanal Spirits Company 15 months ago.
The group has also hired business development director Chris Leggat to the executive team.
He joins (next month) from Douglas Laing & Co, the Scotch whisky blending and bottling specialist, where he was chief executive (2018-2023), having joined that business as commercial director in 2014.
Chair Mark Hunter commented: “Following the promotion of Andrew Dane to the position of CEO earlier in 2023, the internal appointment of Billy demonstrates the strength in depth of the talent within ASC.
“Since joining the group in February 2022, Billy has demonstrated his value to the organisation and has driven forward leadership of the Finance function, whilst demonstrating very strong analytical and leadership skills.
“We also look forward to welcoming Chris Leggat to the executive team who has highly relevant experience in the spirits industry, and whisky segment in particular."
Based in Edinburgh, the Artisanal Spirits Company owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which was established in 1983 and currently has a worldwide membership of just over 37,400.
It will announce an AGM trading update for the four months to 30 April 2023 on 24 May.
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