William Grant & Sons Hires for Global Innovation Drive

Whisky producer William Grant & Sons has appointed Damien Heary as Global Planning and Innovation Director in its Dublin office, with responsibility for generating and applying consumer insights to drive brand marketing activity for the firm's entire portfolio.

Established in 1887, William Grant & Sons is an independent, family-owned Scottish company which distills Scotch whisky and other spirits.

In his new role, Heary will lead the innovation and planning teams in Ireland, the UK, and the US. He joins from Publicis QMP where he was Head of Planning, prior to which he was Head of the Publicis Ireland digital research company AskChili. Earlier in his career, he served as Global Brand Manager for Carlsberg and Brand Manager for Diageo in Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, Group Marketing Director Maurice Doyle said: 'Damien will bring to the role a passion for generating and applying consumer insight as well as a strong background in integrating digital/social media thinking into brand planning. I welcome him to the team.'

Web site: www.williamgrant.com .