Roland van Bommel personally decided to step down in late 2008, after being in the role for almost five years. Stella David will join as chief executive on 10 August 2009.
David held the role of global chief marketing officer at Bacardi for four years. During her tenure with the company, she held a number of key appointments - including vice president global operations, managing director Asia Pacific and CEO of their UK and Dutch businesses.
David received a life-time achievement award for helping Bacardi-Martini UK achieve a position in the top 10 of The Sunday Times “100 Best Companies to Work For”, five years in a row.
David is also a non-executive director of the Nationwide Building Society and chairman of their remuneration committee.
William Grant & Sons’ chairman Peter Gordon said: “Whilst it is with regret that we see the departure of Roland, we would like to recognise his significant contribution in taking the Company to a new level. We are very pleased to welcome Stella to join the Board as our new chief executive as we continue our journey to grow the Company and become a brand-led business with offerings that are the envy of the industry.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Roland for his leadership and significant achievements over the last five years and for agreeing to remain with us to ensure a smooth transition and agreed handover plan with Stella.”
Stella will be based at the Company’s main Marketing office in Richmond, UK.
