Global premium drinks company Drinksology Kirker Greer Group (DKG) has announced the appointment of Gordon Buchanan as Regional Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Global Travel Retail (GTR).
Buchanan has three decades of experience in the drinks industry, having held senior commercial and marketing positions at Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Treasury Wine Estates and BrewDog. In this newly created role, Buchanan will spearhead DKG’s three-year strategic growth plan for EMEA and GTR.
In his most recent position as Regional Controller at BrewDog, Buchanan played a key part in elevating the brand to become one of Europe’s leading craft beers in six years. His responsibilities included managing 17 EMEA markets and leading BrewDog’s strategic partnerships with British Airways and Carnival Cruises in travel retail.
At DKG, Buchanan will work closely with high-performing distribution partners to leverage their expertise in premium spirits across both the on-trade and off-trade channels.
He will enhance the presence of DKG’s core brands – Ukiyo Japanese Spirits, Jawbox Gin, Born Irish Whiskey, Bowsaw American Whiskey and Kadoo Rum – across airports, cruise lines and airlines. These brands have won several industry accolades, including Gold awards and titles such as ‘Vodka of the Year’, ‘Gin of the Year’, ‘Best in Show by Country’ and ‘Best Spirit by Package’, the company said.
This strategic appointment follows the recent formation of the DKG Executive Team. Co-Founders and joint CEOs Steven Pattison and Richard Ryan have assembled a leadership group that includes Donal McAteer as Chief Financial Officer, Ryan McFarland as Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer and Ali Pickering as Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they are driving a long-term growth plan aimed at further expanding DKG’s global footprint.
McFarland commented: “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 record 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.”
Commenting on his appointment, Buchanan said: “After spending 17 years working in London, I returned to Belfast six years ago and was amazed by the transformation in the market and the rise of incredible home-grown brands – it was something I knew I wanted to be part of.
“DKG is poised for a future filled with innovation and success; 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.” ✈
