Glasgow-based William Grant & Sons is one of the biggest privately-owned drinks firms in the UK. The business owns both Glenfiddich Scotch whisky and Hendricks Gin.

Mr Wilson will take up his new role in September, however, he will stay with John Menzies PLC until August 31 this year to ensure a seamless transition period.

John Menzies PLC has said that Mr Wilson will not be replaced. Instead, Philipp Joeinig, executive chairman, will take a more active role in overseeing the running of the group.

The senior executive team will now consist of Mervyn Walker, chief operating officer, Alvaro Gomez-Reino, chief financial officer and John Geddes, corporate affairs director who will increase their duties as required and will each report directly to Philipp Joeinig.

To ensure an appropriate level of corporate governance is maintained the Group has initiated a search for a new independent non-executive director to ensure a majority of independent directors exists. In addition, with immediate effect David Garman, deputy chairman, will become chair of the Nomination Committee.

Philipp Joeinig said: “I would like to record my thanks to Giles who has made a substantial contribution to the Group over the last 9 years. He leaves us with our very best wishes, and I am sure he will be a great success in his new role.

“I remain excited about the future for Menzies. We are a very strong market participant with excellent prospects as the sector begins to recover. As we announced earlier this week our medium-term liquidity position is secure and we look forward to building our business back up as flying schedules return. Our outlook is positive, and we have an excellent, experienced leadership team who will drive our ambitious growth agenda.”