‘Exciting times’ says new sales boss at Strathspey distillers
Family-owned Scotch whisky company Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Cairn at Grantown, has announced the appointment of its new sales director.
Richard Urquhart takes on the role after spending six months acting as interim sales director, following over 15 years with the family business working across several departments, most recently as head of sales for the Americas.
Having travelled extensively around the world, Mr Urquhart has spent much of his career building and maintaining important relationships with distributors and customers; relations that will be pivotal for the further development of Gordon & MacPhail, The Cairn and Benromach brands in key markets.
Core to the fundamental principles of the family business, many of these relationships extend back 60 years to the second generation of the Urquhart family. Nurtured by the third generation, the new man is part of the fourth generation of the family to develop and strengthen those long-term business relationships.
In his new role, he will continue to deliver the company’s ambitious long-term plans by growing the sales of the distinctive spirit brands around the world.
Commenting on the appointment, Phillip White, chief executive of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Building and nurturing strong relationships is fundamental to the success of our business – a value that Richard shares and embodies in his role at Gordon & MacPhail. He is already a huge asset to our team, and we are delighted to see him step into the position of sales director on a permanent basis.
“It is an exciting time for the company as we look to the future of our brands, continuing to grow their presence internationally as well as investing closer to home, too.”
Mr Urquhart added: “In my new role, I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues and trade partners, as we work together to further build a successful family business committed to inspiring enthusiasts around the world to discover, appreciate and enjoy the finest single malt whiskies and highest quality spirits.”
The news follows recent local investment made by Gordon & MacPhail to a new, temporary retail space and whisky tasting room at Johnstons of Elgin on Newmill Road, Elgin. The venue officially opened to the public on 1 March 2025, offering a modern and immersive whisky experience for visitors.
In 2022 Gordon & MacPhail opened its second whisky distillery, The Cairn, in the Cairngorms National Park. Part of the organisation’s focus on securing the long-term future of its brands and investing in the future of the whisky industry, the distillery was operational in May 2022 before opening its doors to the public in October 2022.
