The US division of William Grant & Sons is about to get a new CCO, with Matt Johnson moving across from spirits rival Diageo.
Johnson, who has been with the Johnnie Walker brand owner since 2004, will start with William Grant & Sons USA on Monday (29 September). The appointment comes six months after the unit changed its MD; James Casey assumed the helm, joining the company from Constellation Brands, after his predecessor, Paul Basford, left to join Pernod Ricard USA.
Details of who the previous CCO was for William Grant in the country were not immediately available.
Starting with Diageo 21 years ago as a merchandising representative in Connecticut, Johnson rose through the ranks in the US, becoming the VP of sales for national accounts in late 2016.
In his new role, he will “oversee all commercial elements including regional sales, national accounts, e-commerce, commercial planning, route-to-consumer and net revenue management”, according to his new employer.
Just under three months ago, UK-headquartered William Grant completed its purchase of blended scotch brand The Famous Grouse from Edrington.



