Elgin family firm Gordon & MacPhail appoints Ben Cookman as finance director
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ELGIN-BASED family firm Gordon & MacPhail has announced a new appointment as it prepares to open a new whisky distillery in the Cairngorms.
Ben Cookman has been appointed as finance director during a period of high growth for the firm.
The appointment will see Mr Cookman play an integral role in the company in helping to shape and implement business strategy, including delivering extensive capital plans and fuelling the growth of the company's brands – Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach, Red Door and The Cairn.
Relocating from Bedfordshire, Mr Cookman brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as finance director at Greenwoods GRM LLP and, prior to that, his position as head of finance at McDonald's Restaurants Ltd.
Managing director Ewen Mackintosh said: "Ben joins us at an exciting time for Gordon & MacPhail as we work towards opening The Cairn Distillery in summer 2022.
"Gordon & MacPhail is known for its commitment to creating the finest whiskies and now, as we look towards this new chapter of the company with the creation of a purpose-built distillery in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, it is more important than ever that we invest in not only our stocks and infrastructure but also the right people who will help us achieve our business aspirations.
"Ben brings with him not only the technical skillset and knowledge required for the role but also a passion for the spirits industry and a desire to grow Gordon & MacPhail both domestically and in international markets."
Mr Cookman added: "I'm delighted to be taking on the role of finance director at Gordon & MacPhail and look forward to helping the company achieve not only its current objectives, but also to support investment decisions that will secure its long-term success.
"One of the elements that attracted me to Gordon & MacPhail is this commitment, as a family business, to remain focused on the long-term future of the organisation."
The Cairn Distillery, at Grantown-on-Spey, will be Gordon & MacPhail's second whisky distillery. The visitor experience is on track to open in summer 2022.
