Edinburgh-based airport services giant John Menzies plc said on Friday that its CEO Giles Wilson is to leave the group and become chief financial officer with whisky and spirits firm William Grant & Sons.

William Grant’s portfolio of brands includes Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Grant’s, Hendrick’s Gin and Drambuie.

Wilson will stay with Menzies until August 31, 2020, to ensure a transition of his duties.

“To streamline the executive structure Giles Wilson will not be replaced,” said Menzies.

“Philipp Joeinig, executive chairman, who brings significant aviation industry experience, will take a more active role in over-seeing the running of the group.”

Menzies has about 32,000 employees globally. It operates at more than 200 airports in 34 countries for about 500 airlines.

Menzies said its 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.”

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.”