From cashmere to casks, Aceo appoints new man as Chief Executive Officer

A whisky company with an increasing footprint in Forres has appointed a local man to spearhead its operation.

Aceo Limited, a leading independent whisky bottler and provider of cask whisky management services, has announced that George McNeil, will join the company.

Founder and Managing Director, Edward Odim, is transitioning to Chairman, paving the way for one of Scotland’s leading luxury brand directors to become CEO.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, for 25 years Aceo has been steadily building its business centred around cask whisky services as well as its own spirit brands which includes flagship Murray McDavid range of premium Scotch whisky.

The company has several whisky maturation warehouses in Speyside, including 40,000 casks at Royal Brackla Distillery.

Dallas Dhu

Aceo is also reviving the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery in Speyside, with plans to return whisky production to the site and develop a state-of-the-art visitor attraction that honours its Victorian heritage.

Edward Odim, who has been at the helm of Aceo since its inception, has been instrumental in establishing the company’s reputation for whisky and its strong spirit brands, said:
“I am very pleased to welcome George McNeil as our new CEO. His proven track record in Scottish luxury brands and sales will help steer Aceo into an ambitious future, turbocharging a new era of growth focusing on premiumisation of our brands.

“With George as CEO, this is the perfect time for me to step into the chairman role, focusing on strategic oversight and leading our Dallas Dhu Distillery project, whilst George helps to drive forward our brands and their sales.”

George McNeil brings innovative leadership skills and a wealth of luxury brand experience to his new role. For the last 17 years, he has been the Managing Director of the Retail Division at world -renowned heritage cashmere brand Johnstons of Elgin.

“In this role as part of the Senior Management Team, he helped double turnover to £100m with luxury retail flagship store openings in locations from London to Edinburgh. George also chaired the internal Sustainability Group, which supported the delivery of Johnstons of Elgin becoming a B Corp.

“His passion for whisky showcased in his recent role as the Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, positions him perfectly to lead Aceo in the next chapter of its history.

Mr McNeil said: “After 17 wonderful years at world-renowned luxury Speyside textiles company Johnstons of Elgin, I am looking forward to this next chapter where I can combine my experience of retail, sustainable Scottish luxury and importantly, whisky, to build on Aceo’s record and develop the premiumisation and global reach of their expansive portfolio alongside their team. I can’t think of a better way to start 2025.”