William Grant & Sons has appointed a new MD of its operations in the US, less than ten months after the previous incumbent started in-post.Melanie Batchelor (below) has become the USA president & MD for the Glenfiddich owner as of this month. The executive joins the company from Campari Group, where, having started with the Aperol owner in 2011, she rose to the position of Campari America CEO at the start of 2023. As with her previous role at Campari, Batchelor will be based out of New York with William Grant.
Batchelor takes over from James Casey, who joined W
William Grant & Sons hires ex-Campari Group America lead for next US chief – Global Drinks Intel exclusive
Batchelor, who was promoted to CEO of Campari Group America in mid-2023, left the company last year.

Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.



