PAUL Neep, who led the 2004 sale of Glenmorangie to French luxury goods giant LVMH, has stepped down from his role as president and chief executive of the premier Scotch whisky maker after 14 years at the helm, becoming the non-executive chairman.
Glenmorangie yesterday said Mr Neep will now be replaced by chief operating officer Paul Skipworth, who will be promoted to the post of president and managing director.
Mr Skipworth, who takes up his new post later this month, will spearhead the next phase of the company’s growth strategy as a highly- focused, premium-branded single malt whisky company, promoting the continued growth of the multi-award-winning Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands.
He said: “We are very grateful for the immense contribution Paul Neep has made to the company over the past 14 years.
“In particular, he was instrumental in successfully delivering a major restructure and investment programme which leaves the company and the brands in a very strong position.
“We look forward to his continued contribution to the company as chairman.”
Mr Neep was chief executive of Glenmorangie at the time of its sale in 2004 from the controlling Macdonald family to Paris-listed Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, whose stable includes Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon champagnes, in a deal worth £300 million.
Last year he also opened a new production centre at Alba Business Park in Livingston, West Lothian.
