Whyte & Mackay announces new Global Travel Retail division structure as it cements its place as a driving force in the whisky category

Whyte & Mackay has announced a new structure and leadership for its Global Travel Retail team, shaped to create greater connection with strategic domestic markets, as the next step in the company’s ongoing mission to be a driving force in the whisky category, renowned for building brands that stand out.

The new structure will allow Whyte & Mackay to continue its rapid growth trajectory by creating greater synergies, with stronger connections between the domestic and travel retail teams. 

To this end, the company has announced the creation of a new position of Managing Director UK, Europe & Global Travel Retail. Mike Greggs has been appointed to this role, following a successful period building the Whyte & Mackay UK and Europe business. Richard Trimby will leave the company after a seven-year period during which he helped to treble the size of Whyte & Mackay’s travel retail business as well as navigating the impact of the pandemic.

Clarisse Daniels has been promoted to the newly-created role of Regional Director Global Travel Retail – EMEI & Americas, where she will bring a wealth of experience to the development of the company’s business in these key markets. Most recently, Clarisse has overseen the strategy and marketing for Whyte & Mackay’s GTR team. A successor for Clarisse’s responsibilities as Head of Marketing GTR will be announced in due course, and that role will now report into Janice McIntosh, who has been promoted as Marketing Director (UK, Europe & Global Travel Retail).

Clarisse Daniels

Asia has been the fastest growing region for W&M. In recognition of that dynamic Micheline Wong’s position as Regional Director of Asia Travel Retail has been elevated, and she will continue to lead the regional team, reporting directly into Mike Greggs. Micheline will continue to bring GTR customer partnership, commercial leadership and luxury marketing experience to the region. Within her team Richard Wan has been promoted to the role of Global Account Manager China & Taiwan Travel Retail.

Micheline Wong

Richard Wan

In-keeping with the desire to create synergy between the travel retail and key domestic market teams, Ashish Monga will leave the Global Travel Retail team to focus on the fast-growing Middle East and India domestic markets. Snehanshu Verma will take over responsibility for India travel retail, along with his current role, and is appointed Business Manager Middle East & India Travel Retail.

Ashish Monga

Nick Garland Chief Operating Officer (Brands & Markets) at Whyte & Mackay said: “This new structure will create a business which is more connected, both across our domestic and travel retail teams, by fostering stronger links with our valued partners in the local markets. It will underline and enhance our consumer and category-first approach and creates room for our team to grow in line with the business, which is currently doubling every five years.

“I congratulate Mike on his new appointment, and I believe he is perfectly placed to lead our team into this exciting next phase of growth and development. I would like to thank Richard for his excellent work over the past seven years and wish him all the best in the future.

“In Janice, Clarisse, Micheline and Snehanshu, Mike has a talented and knowledgeable team, and I am excited for the future of the company and our brands in this vibrant and exciting market.”

Mike Greggs commented: “I am delighted to assume responsibility for this fast growing and dynamic channel. Travel Retail continues to be a top priority for Whyte & Mackay. Our strong performance and ambitious activations in recent years demonstrate our resolve for investing to win here. The Whyte and Mackay Travel Retail team have built true partnerships with our priority customers, and I look forward to contributing to take these to the next level. I believe through Whyte and Mackay’s consumer insight and category thinking we can accelerate our mutual growth in each region. Global Travel Retail uniquely creates the opportunity to engage with a diverse mix of consumers and introduce many new people to the single malt whisky category. It is here our industry can best build emotional connection through the many touchpoints with an upscale audience motivated to discover new brands and try new experiences.”