UK-based Scotch whisky blender and bottler Compass Box has announced that CEO Maurice Doyle will step down from his role at the end of February.

Doyle is exiting Compass Box after nearly three years in the role, with his successor set to be announced on 3 March.

He took on the CEO role following Compass Box founder John Glaser and has overseen the company’s operations during an “evolving market landscape”.

Doyle, who was then a Bacardi executive, was brought in as CEO when drinks-focused investor Caelum Capital acquired a “significant majority shareholding” in the Scotch whisky brand in May 2022.

In a statement, Compass Box said under Doyle's leadership it had expanded its global presence, strengthened its leadership team, and introduced initiatives such as a new core collection and its entry into global travel retail.

Reflecting on his departure in a LinkedIn post yesterday (24 February), Doyle said: “Recent years have been very challenging for the spirits industry. However whilst there is always more to deliver, I am beyond proud of what we have achieved together on Compass Box over the past three years.”

Doyle’s exit comes as Compass Box undergoes leadership changes with the company appointing Neil Everitt as its new chair in January.

The founder of the UK gin distiller Brockmans will assume the role in April, succeeding Dr Alan Rutherford, who served as chair for 18 years.

Commenting on Doyle's departure, Everitt said: "He has played a key role in positioning the company for the future, and we are grateful for his contributions.

"We remain committed to driving our strategy forward and ensuring a smooth leadership transition".

In October, Compass Box announced plans to explore expansion in Europe and Asia after securing a £35m ($45.4m) asset-backed lending package from UK bank Santander.

The business sells in the UK, the US, China, Japan, France and Germany.

In a joint statement, Compass Box and Santander said the funding would help the whisky supplier “continue its upward growth trajectory”.