Two Moray bosses named in Walpole’s 2020 Power List
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TWO Elgin bosses have made a list of the 50 most influential people in British luxury.
Gordon & MacPhail director of prestige Stephen Rankin and Johnstons of Elgin chief executive Simon Cotton are included in Walpole’s 2020 Power List.
Marking the 19th British Luxury Awards, the Walpole Power List celebrates inspirational individuals who, despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to steer the luxury sector to success.
For Gordon & MacPhail, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, its recent highlight has been the launch of four commemorative whiskies released to honour the Elgin company’s milestone.
Walpole acknowledged Stephen’s role in bringing the company’s history, heritage and whiskies to life in entertaining ways, stating: "With over 20 years’ experience in the world of single malt, as well as wine and spirits, Stephen Rankin’s contribution to the industry was recognised in 2019 when he was made a Master of the Quaich – the highest honour possible in the whisky industry."
Stephen said: "It’s an honour to be named one of the country’s most influential people in luxury. I’m in great company among some of the industry’s greatest – some of whom I’m proud to call friends.
"It’s particularly poignant to be recognised in such an important year for Gordon & MacPhail, as we celebrate over a century in whisky creation.
"Despite challenging circumstances, the whole team and I are proud to continue our pursuit of whisky perfection for people to enjoy all over the world."
Widely praised for his contribution to innovation and sustainability for the British textiles industry, Simon was recognised in the "heroes" category alongside brands including Manolo Blahnik, The Berkeley and Turnbull & Asser. This celebrates individuals who reached out to their community and supported frontline workers, the NHS, or the national effort during the early stages of the pandemic.
As well as producing small batches of scrubs at its Elgin mill for Dr Gray's Hospital and primary care centres, in June Johnstons of Elgin designed a limited-edition rainbow scarf to help in the fight against coronavirus. Just 350 rainbow scarves were released, with £100 from each sale donated to NHS Charities Together.
Simon stressed that the award was testament to the commitment of the highly-skilled workforce at Johnstons of Elgin.
He said: "Despite the enormous challenges posed by the pandemic, we felt it was vital to support not only our community but the nation’s response to the pandemic. Although the Walpole awards celebrate individuals, the real work is done by the heroes behind the scenes.
"We’re extremely proud of our highly-skilled and talented workforce at Johnstons of Elgin who worked tirelessly to manufacture NHS scrubs for frontline staff and those that designed the beautiful limited-edition rainbow scarf during increasingly uncertain times.
"It’s an honour to be recognised amongst the other incredible industry representatives.
"Walpole represents the very best in British luxury and I am thrilled to be included in its second annual Power List."
