The man in charge of the finances at Irn-Bru is swapping juice for something stronger with a move to whisky-maker Edrington.
Alex Short will leave AG Barr later this summer after almost six years with the Cumbernauld soft drinks firm. The move will see him return to spirits following an earlier 12-year spell with William Grant & Sons.
Privately-held Edrington, which owns the Perth-founded Famous Grouse brand and the Glenturret Distillery and Famous Grouse Experience just outside Crieff, said Mr Short would play a “crucial role” in its international ambitions.
“I am delighted that Alex is joining Edrington he brings a wealth of experience of financial directorship as well as knowledge of the drinks industry from his time at AG Barr and William Grant & Sons,” said chief executive Ian Curle.
Present group finance chief Richard Hunter is to retire in June after 33 years’ service, including two decades as group finance director.
AG Barr chairman Ronnie Hannah wished Mr Short well on his new job, calling him an “important member” of the company’s management team and board.
“We would like to thank him for his significant contribution in that time and wish him well in his move back into the spirits industry with Edrington,” he said.
Mr Short’s tenure at Barr included working on last year’s failed reverse takeover bid for rival Britvic. The £1.4bn move initially looked on, but was scuppered by the delays caused by a competition inquiry.
Edrington has set up new sales, marketing and distribution companies in South East Asia and the Middle East, and will shortly be launching its own distribution operation in the United States.
The company also announced plans for a new Speyside distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan, alongside world-renowned architecture firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.