Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group has appointed well-known industry executive Luke Maga to the role of Managing Director, Global Travel Retail & Africa, Middle East & Indian Subcontinent.
A veteran of the travel retail spirits category, Maga joins Loch Lomond Group from CVH Spirits – formerly Distell International – where he spent a decade building distribution and marketing programs for brands including Amarula, Deanston and Bunnahabhain.
Based out of Loch Lomond Group’s Scottish head-office at Loch Lomond Distillery, Maga will be responsible for implementing and executing a global growth strategy centered on premiumzation and market expansion. The GTR team within Loch Lomond Group will be focusing efforts on driving distribution of the portfolio into Asia-Pacific and the Americas in the near future.
Loch Lomond Group’s travel retail business centers primarily on its three single malt brands, Loch Lomond, Glen Scotia Single Malts, and Littlemill.
Lomond Single Malt recently announced that it had renewed a five-year partnership with The Royal & Ancient Golf Club (The R&A) as the Official Spirit of The Open – the oldest golf tournament in the world. Already a large amount of activation for Loch Lomond has taken place within the GTR space, with its sponsorship of The Open in July celebrated across UK airports.
The GTR business will also continue to have access to small parcels of luxury brand Littlemill, a silent distillery rich in history and highly prized by connoisseurs.
The company also recently launched exciting niche spirits brands Noble Rebel Blended Malt Whisky, Spearhead Blended Grain Whisky and Ben Lomond Gin, all of which showcase the creativity and commitment to quality that is at the heart of Loch Lomond Group’s ethos. In 2021, the company expanded beyond spirits with the acquisition of Champagne Piaff, a young, dynamic and highly distinctive brand in a growth category within travel retail. Champagne Piaff is set to launch with World Duty Free in October.
Luke Maga comments: “I’m delighted to join Loch Lomond Group and play a part in the growth of its multi-awarded portfolio of brands in global travel retail and across the IAMEA region. The company strongly believes in the importance of the channel and has ambitious investment plans around brand-building and consumer engagement, so it’s an exciting time be coming onboard. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with industry peers and partners at TFWA in October.”
Loch Lomond will exhibiting in Cannes at Bay 31, Bay Village.
