Compass Box has named Nishat Gupte as CEO of the Scotch whisky producer following the departure of Maurice Doyle from the UK-based business.
Gupte steps into the CEO role from today (3 March) and will be joined in April by Neil Everitt as chairman. The appointment of Everitt, the founder of UK gin group Brockmans, was announced in January before Doyle said last week he would step down at the end of February after almost three years as CEO.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Gupte joins Compass Box, which is based in Richmond, London, from Betty Buzz and Betty Booze, the New York sparkling soda and cocktail businesses, respectively, founded by actress Blake Lively.
There he served as “founding” CEO for almost five years, according to a statement from Compass Box. Prior to that, Gupte was head of European luxury and alcoholic beverage investment at Credit Suisse, while he previously served in finance roles at Diageo, Citi Group and Ernst & Young.
“Partnering with Neil, whose track record in the industry has been extraordinary, gives us a remarkable platform to unleash the full potential of Compass Box’s signature quality and creativity,” Gupte said.
“I look forward to further building on our commercial strategy, while safeguarding the pioneering spirit that’s made Compass Box the favourite among Scotch tastemakers worldwide.”
Set up in 2000, Compass Box supplies markets in the UK, the US, China, Japan, France and Germany. It has stocks of whisky maturing in Scotland, according to the company’s website.
The business is backed by Caelum Capital, which acquired a “significant majority shareholding” in the Scotch whisky brand in May 2022.
Meanwhile, incoming chair Everitt will succeed Dr Alan Rutherford, who has been Compass Box’s chair for 18 years.
Commenting on Gupte’s appointment, Everitt said: “Nishat’s blend of financial and commercial acumen, as well as beverage industry experience, complements Compass Box’s innovative DNA perfectly.
“Together with the team, we aim to expand the brands market presence, refine its commercial execution, and keep delivering top-tier whiskies that exceed expectations.”
As well as the founder and executive director of Brockmans Gin, Everitt was chairman of Ireland-based craft brewer Rye River Brewing. He is also an investor in Jubel Beer in the UK.
Prior to Brockmans, Everitt held executive positions with Stock Spirits Group, Allied Domecq, and British American Tobacco.
