A fifth-generation member of the Grant Gordon distilling dynasty has been appointed to be the new chairman of William Grant & Sons.

The family-owned drinks giant, one of Scotland's biggest private firms, said Peter Gordon had been promoted to the non-executive post previously filled by Charles Gordon.

Aged 49, Peter Gordon is the great-great-grandson of William Grant, who launched production from the Glenfiddich malt distillery in Dufftown in 1887.

He joined William Grant & Sons in 1986 and was appointed to the board in 2003.

His predecessor, Charles Gordon, spent five years as chairman during which Grants moved into the brandy business by buying Cognac-based Raynal & Cie and acquired a 30% stake in the Mexican Tequila maker Tequilera Cielito Lindo.

Having served on the board since 1953, Charles Gordon has been given the chance to use his knowledge of the global spirits business in the newly created role of life president.

Chief executive Roland van Bommel said: "The board believes that the changes will allow us to maintain the special balance of appropriate governance and family leadership. This in turn will enable us to continue building the value of our portfolio of brands for the long-term and maintain our position as an independent family company."

Other board members include Javier Ferran, who is vice-chairman, Gianluca Brozzetti and Ewen Macpherson.

Last October, William Grant & Sons, whose brands also include Grant's Whisky and Hendrick's Gin, said it had made pre-tax profits of £77.8m in 2006 on turnover of £412.8m.

In 2005, the company made £77.3m on turnover of £352.6m.