Angus Cockburn becomes Chair of Edrington on 1st April 2025. Credit: Edrington.

Angus Cockburn is to become the new chairman of UK distiller Edrington in March, succeeding Crawford Gillies who is due to retire.

Cockburn first joined the Edrington board in September 2022 as a non-executive director. Gillies has been Edrington’s chair for eight years.

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Before joining Edrington, he served as the CFO of Serco Group and Aggreko. He holds positions as chair of James Fisher & Sons, a senior independent director of Ashtead Group and a non-executive director of BAE Systems.

Commenting on the new role, Cockburn said: “It is an honour to be taking over from Crawford as chair of Edrington, a unique business that has such a clear purpose in that it competes globally with some of the world’s best-known brands whilst being owned by a charitable trust, The Robertson Trust, and plays a significant role in Scotland’s economy.  

“Crawford leaves the business in good health, and I look forward to supporting the executive team as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” 

In the year to the end of March, Edrington generated revenue of £1.33bn, up from £1.28bn a year earlier. Profit before tax for the period increased by 6%, rising to £411m.

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In September, Edrington agreed to sell Scotch whisky brand The Famous Grouse to Glenfiddich owner William Grant & Sons. The deal, struck for an undisclosed sum, also included the Naked Malt Scotch whisky brand.

CEO Scott McCroskie said: “This decision is driven by our strategy to focus on our core strengths and the growth opportunities in the ultra-premium spirits category. We consider this the right moment for Edrington to exit the blended Scotch category and focus on our core portfolio of ultra-premium spirit brands.”