Stewart Milne Group (SMG) will have a new man in charge of its finances from April, when Stuart MacGregor swaps a whisky industry role for a future in housebuilding.
His recruitment to the vacant job of SMG finance director coincides with major growth plans for the north-east building giant, which aims to create 250 jobs to support growth in its homes and timber systems divisions in the year ahead.
Mr MacGregor will join the business from Dufftown-based whisky maker William Grant & Sons, where is currently in a senior project finance role.
Announcing his appointment yesterday, Westhill-headquartered SMG said he was bringing with him more than 20 years of senior management experience in the UK and Europe.
Before William Grant, he worked for Dutch drink giant Heineken for 15 years, ending up as global business control director in Amsterdam.
The Aberdeen University graduate previously held senior finance roles in Heineken’s global operations, including spells at Finland’s second largest beverage company – Hartwall Oy – from 2007 to 2011, Portuguese brewing giant Central de Cervejas and Belgian beer-maker Alken-Maes.
He began his career as a senior auditor in the National Audit Office in London in 1994, performing audits in more than 20 countries for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British Council and World Health Organisation.
SMG’s top finance post has been vacant since January, when John Irvine left to take over from Bill Beattie as chief executive at Banchory-based rival Bancon Group.
Glenn Allison, SMG chief executive, said: “Stuart brings a wealth of experience to the senior group finance role at a period of strategic growth for our homes and timber systems businesses.
“His appointment underlines the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for us and demonstrates our commitment to attract the brightest and best talent from inside and outside the construction industry as we continue to develop.”
Mr MacGregor said: “I look forward to being part of the team that will realise its plan to double turnover and business activity in the years ahead.”