The Borders Distillery has appointed ex-Penderyn Distillery sales & marketing manager Giancarlo Bianchi as its MD.
Bianchi (below) joins the scotch whisky producer, having spent the last two years as the sales director at Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery for two years. The bulk of Bianchi’s drinks industry career so far – just over 12 years – was spent at Welsh whisky distiller Penderyn.
Bianchi joined as a manager of Penderyn’s Brecon Beacons visitor centre in 2011, and worked his way up to European sales manager and, finally, executive director of sales & marketing – a post he held until early 2024.
Bianchi takes over from John Fordyce, who has been in the position for 13 years. Previously, Fordyce spent nine years at William Grant & Sons, managing the group’s Southern Europe, and then Asia Pacific, regions.
“It’s a privilege to be joining The Borders Distillery at such an exciting time in its journey,” Bianchi said. “The business already has strong foundations, from production capability to brand authenticity, and there’s significant potential for growth, both in the UK and internationally.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that platform, strengthen our presence in key markets and drive the brand in a sustainable way, ensuring that whisky production becomes a landmark industry in this ancient and historic region.”
Speaking to Global Drinks Intel at Prowein yesterday, the head of international operations for India’s Radico Khaitan provided an update on the spirits giant’s search for its own scotch whisky distillery, saying it did not expect to secure a site in the near term.
