Bianchi arrives after spending 13 years at Penderyn Distillery in Wales, a manufacturer that produces a single malt whisky that secured protected geography indication (PGI) status in July 2023.
Initially joining Penderyn Distillery as the visitor centre manager, he worked his way across the business before being appointed to the role of executive director of sales and marketing in 2021.
Holyrood Distillery was founded by Canadian couple Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson in 2019 and has grown quickly since, producing single malt whisky as well as gin, rum and other spirits.
In October 2023, the distillery launched its inaugural single malt whisky, Arrival, while its second release, Single Cask Release #147, launched in January 2024 and sold out within hours.
Bianchi brings ‘passionate and collaborative style’
Commenting on the new appointment, managing director Huw Wright said that the firm was looking forward to welcoming Bianchi to its central Edinburgh base.
“Giancarlo’s passionate and collaborative style, coupled with the breadth and depth of his experience will be instrumental in delivering strong and sustainable business growth as we enter an exciting time for Holyrood Distillery,” Wright added.
"I have joined an immensely creative new wave Scotch distillery at a very exciting time,” commented Bianchi.
“Holyrood are paving the way with a truly fresh and innovative approach, and not just in whisky. I can’t wait to get started, and am looking forward to working with such a great team."
‘Ambitious plans’
The appointment of Bianchi comes not long after the distillery announced it had secured a £2m funding package from specialist wine and spirits fintech Ferovinum to support its international growth plans.
Speaking when the funding package was announced, Wright said: “Holyrood Distillery has some ambitious plans in place so we require partners who can keep up, see the vision and enhance it.
“This is exactly why Ferovinum was chosen and asked to come on board, and we are thrilled that they have agreed to come along on this exciting journey with us.”
In other news, the number of food supply chain thefts committed during 2023 increased by 29% when compared to 2022.
