William Grant & Sons has announced the departure of CEO Simon Hunt after almost five years in the position, effective immediately.
Hunt will provide a short period of handover, however the distillery company’s chairman and chief financial officer, Giles Wilson, will assume his responsibilities immediately.
The owner of Hendrick’s gin and Sailor Jerry rum says a new CEO will be appointed in due course, although it may take some time.
Hunt has spent 13 years with the company in a number of different roles. Prior to taking up his CEO position in 2016, he served as chief commercial officer and president of the firm’s North America division.
“During his time with the company in a number of different roles, the profitability of the business has grown considerably, and Simon has driven a large part of this. Latterly as CEO, he has delivered a new strategy for the business and embarked on a significant capital development programme from which the company will continue to benefit going forward,” said a William Grant & Sons spokesperson.
Prior to joining William Grant & Sons, Hunt worked for Diageo and was CEO of Malibu Kahlua International, part of Pernod Ricard. The company did not disclose any information on his future endeavours.
“I am incredibly proud of all that I have achieved working with a brilliant team of people at William Grant & Sons, but now is the time for me to move on and I wish the company all the best for its ongoing success,” added Hunt.
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