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The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), owner of the JG Thomson & Co brand and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has appointed Andrew Dane as chief executive officer. David Ridley will step down from his position as managing director of ASC, following six years in the role. The company says he will remain available to provide support until July. Ridley commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with ASC and am proud of the group’s success to date...I feel the time is now right for me to seek a fresh challenge and hand over the reins for the next phase of ASC’s development. I wish Andrew and the wider team every success for the future.” Dane, previously finance director, will take on the CEO role with immediate effect. Mark Hunter, chairman of the company, said: “ASC is fortunate to have a strong and able successor in Andrew Dane, and the board has confidence in his readiness and capability as CEO. Since joining in 2020, Andrew has demonstrated strong operational and commercial credentials in addition to his proven financial skillset.” Hunter continued on to say that Dane “knows the business and ASC’s wider market structure well” and has been “instrumental” in developing and implementing the group’s growth strategy in conjunction with the wider executive team.