William Grant & Sons has confirmed that its CEO Søren Hagh has resigned from the company after just two years in the role.

Hagh joined the Glenfiddich brand owner at the start of 2024 from Heineken.

The company issued a ‘termination of appointment’ filing with UK authorities for Hagh as a company director on 31 October. 

The company said in a statement: “Søren Hagh has resigned as CEO of the company after two years leading the business. The board wishes him well in his future endeavours.

“Going forward, Graeme Jenkins (CFO) and Doug Bagley (CCO) will provide leadership and be responsible for managing the company’s business with the support of the executive board.”

No explanation has been given for his departure, but there has been media speculation that he is returning to Heineken.

In July, William Grant & Sons reported a 30% fall in pre-tax profit to £388 million and a 6.5% decline in turnover to £1.834 billion for the year ending 31 December 2024. The figures were in line with market trends, with the drinks industry facing difficult headwinds due to factors such as declining consumption and cost-of-living concerns.

There has been a revolving door of drinks industry CEOs coming and going over the past 12 months. This week alone, four executives stepped down at Endeavour Group and a new CEO was appointed at Diageo.

Chief Network Distribution Officer appointed

On 4 November 2025, William Grant & Sons confirmed the appointment of Grant McKenzie as Chief Network Distribution Officer and Executive Board member, joining the company 13 November 2025.

In what the company described as “a pivotal role for the business”, Grant will lead its Owned Distribution Companies Business Unit (ODC BU), ensuring the development and execution of its plans across all owned distribution markets, driving innovation and delivering growth ambitions.