Growing market portfolio across the off-trade
GLOBAL wines and spirits group La Martiniquaise Bardinet (LMB) UK has announced a series of new appointments and promotions reflecting the company’s wider growth ambitions.
After welcoming Warner’s Gin to its portfolio in 2025 and with growth plans in store for its Glen Moray and Bardinet brands, the company said it is now focusing on building up its expertise and capabilities for the UK market through the new team members.
Three new recruits have joined the LMB UK team, which is new headquartered at Starlaw Distillery in Bathgate.
Ross Walpole (pictured on the far right) joins as the key account manager for London on-trade and regional wholesale in the south of England. Bringing with him, Walpole has a weather of experience working for Brown-Forman and Thatcher’s Cider as well as a strong track record across London’s bar scene. He will support the company’s on-trade ambitions with a focus on Cutty Sark, Marie Brizard and Warner’s Gin.
Meanwhile, Iona Grant (pictured middle) will take on the role as national account manager for Sainsbury’s and Asda stores – two grocery partners of key importance to LMB UK. Grant will bring her wealth of knowledge to the role built up from her time working across branded as well as own-label contracts, plus multi-site operations across fast-moving environments.
And finally, Callan Gibson (pictured far left) joins as the brand activation manager focused on Bardinet and Warner’s, along with others. A former executive at golf’s governing body the R&A, Gibson has worked previously with massive global brands across retail and major sporting events.
In addition to the four new hires, several existing members of the LMB UK team have moved through the ranks into more senior and leadership positions across the business.
• Lynn Jackson has moved into the role of head of off-trade for grocery and convenience at the firm after holding a long-standing position in the sales team.
• Janette Deed has been promoted to the head of marketing after 18 months with the business. Her leadership skills and experience are set to drive the brand further, said LMB.
• David McLauchlan moves up to the national account controller for route-to-market and field sales after seven years with the business.
• Joules Mason has been made junior account manager and Scott Morrison has been moved to national account manager, whilst Jerri Alexander has been promoted to brand activation manager to look after the key Glen Moray, Marie Brizard, Villa Cardea and Sobieski brands.
Ruiaridh Paterson, commercial director at LMB UK, said: “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.”
