Claire Tolan – IDL’s new Managing Director

Irish Distillers has appointed Claire Tolan as its Managing Director–Ireland replacing Louise Ryan who’s taken up the position of Managing Director of Pernod Ricard’s global gin business unit, The Gin Hub, in London.

In her new role Claire’s responsible for the distribution of the full Pernod Ricard portfolio of wines and spirits here. Claire will also join IDL’s Team, reporting to Conor McQuaid, IDL’s new Chairman and Chief Executive.

Having most recently served as Managing Director Brand Homes & Education at Irish Distillers, Claire oversaw the €11 million redevelopment of Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

A graduate of Dublin City University, Claire began her career in Irish whiskey in 1998 when she joined the Jameson Graduate Programme. She spent time as Brand Ambassador in San Francisco, going on to hold a number of key commercial roles in the US before joining the international commercial team for Jameson in 2007.

Louise Ryan joined Irish Distillers in 2011 and held a number of key roles, including Strategy and Insights Director, before she was appointed Managing Director for Ireland in July 2016. As the new Managing Director of The Gin Hub Louise will oversee the development and innovation within Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of strategic gin brands Beefeater, Plymouth and Seagram’s to drive growth in the thriving category. Prior to joining Irish Distillers Louise was with Mars Ireland for 14 years where she held numerous roles including Marketing Director and Commercial Director.