Former BrewDog employee lands major travel retail role

Gordan Buchanon, who managed 17 different markets in his previous role as regional controller for BrewDog, will head up global travel retail for Drinksology Kirker Green (DKG). His appointment comes as the premium spirits company looks to expand its portfolio across key global regions.

Before his time with the craft brewer, Buchanon held roles at Bacardi, Beam Suntory and Treasury Wine Estates.

He will now be responsible for developing DKG’s relationships with “high-performing distribution partners” across on-trade and off-trade channels, said the spirits company, as well as in airports, cruise lines, and airlines.

Ryan McFarland, chief commercial and strategy officer, DKG, said: “Over the past 24 months, we have been strategically strengthening our team, building out long-term plans, and steadily advancing into our next phase of growth.

“Gordon’s proven track records of creativity and his ability to effectively engage with distributors and consumers across our key regions will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious growth objectives.”

Gordan Buchanon said: “I was immediately drawn to the company’s agile, creative, visionary and entrepreneurial approach, and I’m excited to bring DKG’s award-winning brands to the EMEA market.”

The tryptych

DKG is formed of three core business units.

Drinksology Creative is a design, branding and marketing agency, specialising in alcohol beverages, which is responsible for many well-known bars and brands, including Edinburgh’s The Johnnie Walker Experience and Dublin’s Guinness Open Gate Brewery.

Kirker Green Spirits owns, manages and distributes a large portfolio of global spirit brands including Ukiyo Japanese Spirits, Jawbox Irish Gin, Born Irish Gin, Kirker Shamrock Irish Whiskey and Bowsaw American whiskey.

Meanwhile, Spiritly.com is a direct-to-consumer and B2B e-commerce platform specialising in fine spirits and wines from around the world.

Buchanon joins an executive team spearheaded by co-founders and joint CEOs Steven Pattison and Richard Ryan, alongside CFO Donal McAteer, chief commercial and strategy officer Ryan McFarland and chief marketing officer Ali Pickering.