International Beverage appoints first travel retail rep

06 May, 2009

International Beverage has appointed its first dedicated manager for global travel retail and duty free sales and marketing.

The international division of brewing and distilling giant Thai Beverages and subsidiary Inver House Distillers has recruited James Bateman. 

Bateman will report to Malcolm Leask, vice president of international sales and marketing. He is based in Airdrie, Scotland.
Leask said: “There are many opportunities for International Beverage and its premium brands to deliver innovation, interest and real value to travellers and the retailers that serve them, around the world.”

James will represent the International Beverage portfolio of premium Scotch whisky and Thai spirits at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore, from 11-14 May 2009. The travel retail portfolio will include Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch whisky; Balblair Single Malt Scotch whisky and Mekhong original Thai spirit.

James joins International Beverage from Morrison Bowmore Distillers, part of Suntory Group, where he was regional manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has worked previously in the drinks industry with The Glenmorangie Company and The Drambuie Company.