Prestigious new whisky industry role for former Gordon & MacPhail boss Michael Urquhart
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THE former boss of an Elgin whisky specialist is to take on a prestigious role in the industry.
Michael Urquhart, former managing director of Gordon & MacPhail, has been named as 2021 president of the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
Scotch whisky stalwart Mr Urquhart retired from the fourth-generation business, owned by the Urquhart family, in 2014. He stepped down from the board in 2017 after serving more than 36 years in the company.
Mr Urquhart travelled extensively around the world promoting single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Gordon & MacPhail and also from the family’s distillery, Benromach.
He replaces 2020 president Tamara Roberts, chief of English wine producer Ridgeview, and he is the first Scotland-based president since former chair and chief executive of Edrington Sir Ian Good, who held the position in 2009.
Other iconic members of the wine and spirits industries who have been president include Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Wolf Blass, Robert Mondavi and Napa Valley winemaker Warren Winiarski.
Mr Urquhart has received many accolades through his dedication to the Scotch whisky industry.
In 1999 he was made a Keeper of the Quaich, and in 2012 a Master of the Quaich in recognition of services to the promotion of Scotch whisky worldwide. At the end of 2013, The Whisky Advocate, a leading US drinks publication, presented him with a lifetime achievement award. He was also inducted to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in 2014.
Mr Urquhart said: "It’s a real privilege, and I’m humbled to be chosen as president of such a prestigious organisation as the IWSC.
"I believe this is a reflection of Gordon & MacPhail’s standing in the drinks industry and I thank all those involved in our family business for their support and contribution to our success over the years.
"I’ve always had the greatest respect for the IWSC and the excellent work it does in maintaining and developing the high-quality reputation of the global wine and spirits industry.
"I’m very much looking forward to getting behind the IWSC and ensuring it continues to work in the best interests of the entire industry."
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: "We have seen first-hand how hard Michael has worked for our family business and on behalf of the Scotch whisky industry as a whole.
"This is yet more well-deserved recognition for Michael, and Gordon & MacPhail, and we’re sure he will be an excellent president."
The IWSC’s president represents the organisation’s objective to promote the production of quality wines and spirits throughout the world.
One of the oldest and most respected industry competitions, the IWSC has hundreds of international experts, including buyers, producers, distillers, sommeliers, distributors and influencers, judging wines and spirits throughout the year.
