Charles Gordon of William Grant & Sons dies aged 86

Charles Gordon, life president of William Grant & Sons, died in New York at the weekend, aged 86.

Mr Gordon was a key driving force in building William Grant & Sons into a strong, independent family-owned company with a reputation for excellence.

His son Glenn, the present chairman of the company, paid tribute to his father.

He said: “We are all very proud of my father’s achievements in his very full and energetic lifetime, and give thanks for the legacy that he has left us with. He touched the lives of many, many people and will be sorely missed by all.”

Stella David, chief executive of the company, said: “On behalf of all of us at William Grant & Sons, we recognise the truly exceptional contribution Charles Gordon has made to our company.

“Indeed, few people have made a greater contribution to the scotch whisky industry over such an extended period of time.”