John Ramsay Edrington Group Master Blender Retires

[John]

John Ramsay, master blender for The Edrington Group, is to retire from his position on 31 July. Following a two and half year handover, Gordon Motion will take over as the company's new master blender.

Since joining Edrington in 1991, John has been responsible for overseeing the quality of the group's whisky portfolio, including its best selling blends, The Famous Grouse (number one in Scotland for the last 29 years) and Cutty Sark (a market leader in many Mediterranean countries); and two of the world's most renowned single malts, The Macallan and Highland Park.

John commented: "Looking back there are a number of highlights that really stand out, from creating Highland Park 18, 25 and most recently 40 year old expressions; developing The Macallan 1824 Collection, which has just been launched in global travel retail; and moving The Glenrothes whisky to a vintage.

"In particular I'm most proud of receiving the International Spirits Challenge trophy award in 2007 for The Famous Grouse 30 year old blended malt. Beating off competition from over 700 spirits, both single and blended malts, to be named "best overall malt whisky"? by my fellow peers, was a real honour.

"I've had an immensely enjoyable career with Edrington, which has taken me all around the world and I would like to extend thanks to all of my colleagues who have been such a fantastic support."?

Commenting on how it feels to be the new master blender, Gordon Motion, said: "It's an incredible privilege to be the successor to John, the doyen of blenders. John has been an inspiring mentor to me over the last 10 years working as his assistant and particularly over the last two and a half years as I've stepped into the master blender role. I am looking forward to continuing the tradition that has gone on for over a century and want to ensure that our enviable portfolio of blended and single malt whiskies continue to be enjoyed and respected around the world."?

John added: "I have absolute confidence in Gordon, he has the natural ability combined with the passion and ambition to make a very successful master blender and I wish him all the best in his new role."?

John