New distillers for Highland Park and The Macallan

The Edrington Group has announced the appointments of new distillery managers at its single malt scotch brands Highland Park and The Macallan.

Highland Park distillery manager Russell Anderson is set to take the reins at The Macallan after 15 years in Orkney. 

After two stints at Highland Park he has handed over the role of distillery manager to Graham Manson, a former engineering manager at North British Distillery - which contributes to the group's Cutty Sark blend.

Anderson makes a return to the Speyside distillery, where he worked as production manager from 1998 to 2000, and replaces Alexander Tweedie.

Tweedie has left his role as distillery manager to replace the retiree Bill Crilly as Technical Support Manager.

Highland Park’s new distillery manager Manson, brings over 25 years of experience in the scotch whisky industry, having worked for Bell’s, Diageo and latterly North British Distillery, where he has been engineering manager since 1997.

Graham MacWilliam, general manager of distillation at The Edrington Group, said: “These are exciting times for our single malts and these appointments are a reflection of the changing face of our distillation requirements and business needs.” 

“Russell makes a welcome return to Speyside after many years of exceptional commitment and focus to help take Highland Park to the place it is today. His new role at Macallan will add further resource and experience to a great team as we look to the future of this iconic brand.

“Graham is the right manager to build on Russell’s achievements and continue to drive the distillery forward.  His strong technical experience combined with his passion and energy will provide us with a first class distillery manager.”