Leask, who has over 25 years of service with the business, is tasked with a programme of growth and international expansion to build on the success of the company’s spirits portfolio.

Leask said: “We are uniting all aspects of our business under the International Beverage banner and planning for what will be a very exciting and dynamic new era of growth, both in the UK and in international markets.

“I’m very much looking forward to working together with the dedicated and talented people who work in our business to build on all of the great work and to achieve even greater things in the future,” Leask added. 

International Beverage, the producer of drinks brands including Old Pulteney, Balblair and Speyburn single malt whiskies will lead a consolidation of all UK operations, including the Inver House Distillers production subsidiary, under the International Beverage banner.

The announcement coincides with news of the planned retiral in early 2023 of Martin Leonard, current managing director of Inver House Distillers, after nearly 25 years of service.

Leask added: “We owe Martin Leonard an enormous debt of gratitude for his custodianship of our stable of whiskies and gin over the past few years. He has led the Inver House operation with vision and expertise, building the strong foundation our business is built on today. We wish him all the very best when he retires next year.”