Company Profiles  

Peter Russell, Chairman

Peter Russell is one of the most highly respected individuals in the Scotch whisky industry today. He joined his father in business in 1956 as a whisky broker, supplying companies such as Justerini & Brooks with their requirements for mature blend. Peter has been working in the Scotch whisky industry for over 45 years and, during this time, it is estimated that he has overseen the sales of the equivalent of more than 25 million cases of Scotch whisky! The acquisition of Glengoyne Distillery is the culmination of many years experience and is for Peter ‘a dream come true’.

Leonard Russell, Managing Director

Leonard entered the wine and spirit business in 1985 when he joined Scottish & Newcastle Breweries in new brand development. He then worked in IDV’s new brand development head office in London before joining the family business in 1989. Leonard has an MBA from the Scottish Business School and is a committee member within the Scotch Whisky Association.

Roderick Mackenzie, Director – Americas, Africa & Europe

Having worked in management consultancy, and with an MA from Aberdeen University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town, Roderick joined Ian Macleod Distillers Limited in 1995 as Export Marketing Manager, with the responsibility for developing the company’s business in the Americas and Spain. He became a director of Ian Macleod Distillers in 2002.

Gordon Doctor, Director Whisky Operations

Gordon joined the Company in 1982 and, after many years in production - including 10 years as Manager of the company’s Bonded Warehouse - became Chief Blender in 1996 with responsibility for spirit supply, inventory management and blending. Gordon has a degree in Business Studies and worked briefly in the Civil Service before entering the spirits industry. He became a director of Ian Macleod Distillers in 2004.

Mike joined Ian Macleod Distillers in early 2003 to assist with the acquisition of Glengoyne and Langs. In July 2004, Mike was appointed Finance Director. He holds a Brewing Degree from Heriot Watt University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in 1987. Mike then worked as Finance Director with Forth Wines for 10 years. As well as the finances, Mike is responsible for systems and IT.

Iain Weir, Director of Marketing

Iain graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Business Studies) degree from Edinburgh University in 1994 before joining Adobe Systems (Europe) as Business Development and Localisation Executive (Central and Eastern Europe and Africa – CEEA). In 1999, Iain moved to Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. as UK Marketing Manager and in 2000 was promoted to Key Accounts Manager. In 2003, Iain became Head of Marketing and is responsible for global brand development.

Stuart Hendry, Glengoyne Brand Heritage and Commercial Manager

Stuart joined Glengoyne in 1995 from Oddbins, where he'd developed a passion for collecting and consuming fine malt whiskies. Stuart and his team very successfully look after the 35,000 annual visitors to Glengoyne, providing the widest portfolio of visits and best hospitality in the industry.

Robbie joined Glengoyne in October 2003 and is responsible for the production of the Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky and for maintaining its exceptional quality. Robbie’s extensive experience in the Scotch whisky industry began when he joined Allied Distillers in 1984 as Production Operator at Balblair Distillery before moving to Diageo in 2000 where he was involved in the running of four malt whisky distilleries.