SCOTCH whisky industry heavyweight Mike Keiller, who was chief executive of Morrison Bowmore for 14 years, has joined The Last Drop Distillers.

Mr Keiller will, in his new role, oversee the financial and corporate strategy of The Last Drop, which was founded in 2008 and specialises in discovering and hand-bottling the “finest, rarest and most exclusive spirits in the world from remote cellars and warehouses across Scotland”.

The company noted that Mr Keiller, who is becoming a board director, would oversee all of its financial planning.

Drinks industry veteran James Espey, co-founder and chairman of The Last Drop, said: “Mike has a fantastic breadth of drinks industry experience, showing what he’s capable of during 14 successful years as CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers. His record of delivering strong business and financial results makes us confident that his knowledge and vision will play an integral role in driving the company forward as we look to expand through 2016 and beyond.”

Mr Keiller said: “The Last Drop is...proving itself as a strong business model that’s entrenched in exclusivity, craft and excellence."

He added: "I’m relishing the opportunity to lead on the company’s corporate strategy and development at this stage of its growth and am thoroughly looking forward to being part of its passionate and tight-knit team of true spirits pioneers.”

The Last Drop was founded by three drinks industry veterans, who had between them been involved previously in creating spirits including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, Malibu, and Baileys Irish Cream