Cotswolds Distillery appoints new CEO

The Cotswolds Distillery has appointed a new CEO as it continues to scale up its operations.

Jeremy Parsons will take up the role from June 2022, working alongside the distillery management team as it builds its profile in the UK and internationally and invests in increased production across its portfolio of spirits.

Parsons has more than 30 years' experience in the wine and spirits industry, having previously held senior positons at companies including Diageo, Berry Bros. & Rudd, and Constellation Brands. Most recently, he has been COO of Beamish International, an Edinburgh-based company specialising in the sale of ultra-premium single-cask whisky.

Founder and current CEO, Daniel Szor, will take up the new role of executive chairman. He will remain involved with the day-to-day running of the business, including strategic planning, product development, and talking with visitors, customers and investors.

Of his appointment, Parsons said: "I am very much looking forward to joining the Cotswold team at this exciting time for the business as it builds its distribution footprint in the UK and in key export markets around the world, as well as scaling up the production of its award-winning range of premium spirits.

"Having spent the last three years working in the ultra-rare whisky sector, building the structure and sustainability of a now-leading advisory firm, it was a good time to take on a new challenge and to join Dan at the Cotswolds Distillery - a company I have much admired for a long time."

Szor said: "As we continue to grow and scale our operations, Jeremy's industry experience and management skills will be invaluable, as will his brand building and brand management talents."

Parsons' appointment comes after the Cotswolds Distillery announced a significant expansion of its single malt whisky earlier this year. The expansion includes a new dedicated whisky distillery, set to be commissioned over the summer of 2022, with an eventual capacity to produce 500,000 litres of pure alcohol per year.

21 March 2022 - Bethany Whymark