Stella David, the marketing expert credited with launching pre-mixed rum drink Bacardi Breezer in the UK in the 1990s, is joining the male-dominated ranks of Scotch whisky company chief executives.

David, whose departure from her post as global chief marketing officer of rum giant Bacardi was announced late last month, was unveiled yesterday as chief executive of family-owned William Grant & Sons. Her marketing background is in line with William Grant's stated intention of becoming "more brand- driven".

William Grant said yesterday that its current chief executive, Roland van Bommel, had "personally decided" to step down after nearly five years in this role.

"He is planning to see a bit of the world," said a company spokesman.

Although van Bommel's decision to leave was revealed only yesterday, the spokesman for William Grant said the chief executive had told the board around Christmas time last year of his wish to depart.

The spokesman added that van Bommel had told the board at that stage that he wanted to remain until a successor was in place. David will become William Grant's chief executive on August 10.

Asked whether or not van Bommel would receive a pay-off, the William Grant spokesman declined to comment.

William Grant said van Bommel had "built a stronger and broader executive team and implemented significant improvements across the business, which continues to strive to become more brand and marketing-driven".

David became global chief marketing officer of Bacardi Group in 2005. Since joining Bacardi in 1994, she has held a number of key posts, includ- ing vice-president of global operations, managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, and chief executive officer of the UK and Dutch businesses.

David is also a non-executive director of Nationwide Building Society, and chairman of the mutual organisation's remuneration committee.

William Grant chairman Peter Gordon said: "Whilst it is with regret that we see the departure of Roland, we would like to recognise his significant contribution in taking the company to a new level. We are very pleased to welcome Stella to join the board as our new chief executive as we continue our journey to grow the company and become a brand-led business with offerings that are the envy of the industry.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Roland for his leadership and significant achievements over the last five years and for agreeing to remain with us to ensure a smooth transition and agreed handover plan with Stella."

David will be based at William Grant's main marketing office in Richmond in Surrey.

The distiller was founded by William Grant in 1886, and is still controlled by his direct descendants. Its brands include single-malt Scotch whiskies Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. It also distils Grant's, the world's fourth-largest blended Scotch whisky operation, as well as Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.

William Grant recently acquired a majority stake in the Tequila Milagro business and is now responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Stolichnaya Vodka in the US and in some other overseas markets.

In October last year, William Grant's reported a 7% rise in pre-tax profits to £83.6m during 2007, on an increased turnover of £495.7m.