The Macallan picks global malt marketer

Highland Distillers has appointed Matthew Turner as global marketing controller for its flagship single malt, the Macallan. The brand recently launched its biggest US advertising campaign so far, worth $3.5m (&£2.4m).

The Macallan sells about 250,000 cases a year worldwide. Its biggest market is the US, followed by the UK and then Italy. A spokeswoman says there has been no above-the-line advertising in the UK for some years and there are no plans for any UK advertising this calendar year.

Turner, who starts in October, joins from Imperial Tobacco, where he was marketing manager for Eastern Europe and Russia. He will report to global brands director Ken Grier.

The position has been vacant since April, when previous incumbent Murray Calder was promoted to global marketing controller for The Famous Grouse. He replaced Ian Greig, who moved to a new job as Highland Distillers regional director for the Americas (MW April 18).

Highland Distillers is co-owned by The Edrington Group, which has 70 per cent of the shares, and William Grant & Son, which has the remaining 30 per cent. In addition to The Macallan, it owns The Famous Grouse, Highland Park and Black Bottle whiskies and Gloag’s London Dry Gin.

Along with Remy Cointreau, Fortune Brands/Jim Beam and Swedish spirits group Vin & Sprit, Highland Distillers owns distributor Maxxium Worldwide, which handles its brands everywhere except the US. In the US, it is distributed by Remy Cointreau.