Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

William Grant's former chairman Charles Gordon dies

Published:  03 January, 2014

The former chairman of William Grant & Sons, Charles Gordon, died in New York just before Christmas aged 86.

Gordon was credited as being a key driving force in building the firm, which owns brands including Grants, the Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Tullamore Dew and Sailor Jerry.

Charles Gordon, of William Grant & Sons, pictured at the opening of Ailsa CraigCharles Gordon 2Charles Gordon, of William Grant & Sons, pictured at the opening of Ailsa Craig

The great-grandson of William Grant, the distiller's founder, he pioneered, along with his brother and uncle, the firm's transformation into a global player with the export of Glenfiddich. He also oversaw construction of the company's Girvan grain distillery in 1963, which was the largest distillery of the time.

Charles Gordon, of William Grant & Sons, pictured at the opening of Ailsa Craig

Gordon retired as chairman in 2008 and was made life president of the company.

His son Glenn, the present chairman, paid tribute to his father: "We are all very proud of my father's achievements in his very full and energetic lifetime, and give thanks for the legacy that he has left us with. He touched the lives of many, many people and will be sorely missed by all.

"In our family and our business, which my father always intertwined, he very much believed in a spirit of partnership. In his memory, we will continue to build this spirit, and with it our independent family business, for future generations".

Chief executive Stella David said: "On behalf of all of us at William Grant & Sons, we recognise the truly exceptional contribution Charles Gordon has made to our company. Indeed few people have made a greater contribution to the Scotch whisky industry over such an extended period of time. The company is fully committed to continue to build on Charles' remarkable legacy. We pass on our sympathies to the Grant Gordon family."  

Keywords: