BILL Farrar is to step down from its role leading whisky giant Edrington’s high-end spirits division in the summer.

The Glasgow-based distiller said Mr Farrar, a former chairman of The Macallan Distillers, will leave in June to pursue new business interests. Mr Farrar, who has been with Edrington since 1989. Mr Farrar will be replaced by Paul Ross, currently president of Edrington Americas.

Edrington, the international premium spirits company, announces that Bill Farrar, Managing Director Super Premium will leave Edrington in June 2017 to pursue new business interests.

Bill’s career with Edrington stretches back to 1989, since which time he has led marketing strategy for several of the world’s most successful spirit brands. He joined the Edrington board in 2003 and has overseen the rapid growth of The Macallan and the development of Edrington’s international distribution businesses.

In his current role he has been at the forefront of the company’s innovation team and its fast-growing super premium spirit brands, including Highland Park single malt.

Paul Ross will succeed Bill as Managing Director Super Premium, transferring from his current assignment as President of Edrington Americas. Paul is an experienced international leader who has built the Edrington Americas organisation and delivered exceptional growth during his assignment in New York. Paul will be succeeded as President of Edrington Americas by Chris Spalding, who was heavily involved in the creation of Edrington Americas and is currently Commercial Director, North America.

Edrington has also named Aristotelis ‘Tellis’ Baroutsis as Managing Director of the company’s Regional Power Brands business unit, which is responsible for The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark blended Scotch whiskies and Brugal rum. Tellis joined Edrington as Managing Director of Edrington Nordics before transferring to Singapore to establish the company’s global travel retail business.

Igor Boyadjian replaces Tellis as Managing Director of Edrington Global Travel Retail in Singapore. Igor was co-owner of the Edrington Fix joint venture, based in Dubai, and brings a deep understanding of the travel retail business to his new role.

Ian Curle, chief executive, said: “Bill has been a friend and colleague for nearly thirty years, during which time he has contributed strongly to Edrington’s growth and success. I would like to thank him for his valued support and commitment, and wish him all the best in his future business interests.

“When Edrington moves into its new global headquarters in Glasgow in the spring, I am delighted that we will be joined by two of our most experienced international leaders in global roles.”