La Martiniquaise Bardinet’s UK home, LMB UK, has announced a series of new appointments and promotions as it strengthens its leadership team.
The company, which is headquartered at Starlaw Distillery in Bathgate, added Warner’s Gin to its portfolio in 2025, while core brands like Glen Moray single malt whisky and Bardinet brandy are planning for growth in the year ahead.
Thus LMB UK has been focussing on strengthening its expertise and capabilities for the UK market.
One new recruit is Ross Walpole, joining as key account manager for the London on-trade, bringing experience working for both Brown-Forman and Thatcher’s Cider, and a strong track record within London’s bar scene.
Walpole will support the company’s on-trade ambitions with a focus on the Cutty Sark, Marie Brizard and Warner’s Gin brands.
There’s also a new recruit within the marketing team, where Callan Gibson joins as brand activation manager, focused on Bardinet and Warner’s Gin, amongst others.
A former executive at golf’s governing body the R&A, Gibson brings experience of working with global brands across retail and major sporting events.
In addition, several existing members of the LMB UK team have been promoted into more senior and leadership positions across the business.
Of most relevance to the on-trade, David McLauchlan moves up to the role of national account controller for route-to-market and field sales, after seven years with the business. McLauchlan aims to build on his strong track record in delivering sustainable growth to strengthen customer partnerships and maximise the LMB portfolio in the on-trade.
Joules Mason is promoted to junior account manager and Scott Morrison to national account manager. In marketing, Jerri Alexander is promoted to brand activation manager looking after the key Glen Moray, Marie Brizard, Villa Cardea and Sobieski brands.
LMB UK commercial director Ruaridh Paterson extended a warm welcome to all new recruits and his congratulations to the team on their various promotions: “LMB made significant strides last year, with major investment plans for our key brands and the addition of Warner’s Gin to our portfolio.
“As a result, we are busier than ever across all channels, with a raft of new customers and accounts in both the on and off trade and a huge opportunity to grow our portfolio of spirits brands across the UK.
“The addition of these talented new recruits, plus the strengthening of our leadership, sales and marketing teams is a crucial part of our strategy, ensuring we have the very best people in place, with the ideas, skills and agility to deliver success in trade.”
La Martiniquaise-Bardinet is a leading player in the global spirits market and features in the world’s top 10 spirits companies.
Fully independent and family-owned, the French group founded in 1934 by Jean Cayard has a turnover of €1.6 billion and employs 3600 people. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 150 countries with 50 production sites, 20 distilleries and fully-owned distribution companies in 12 countries.
