Beverage distributor Federal Merchants & Co has announced a change in leadership with the departure of CEO Aidin Dennis, who decided to step down and left the business at the end of 2023.

Michael Morton, formerly Director and Head of Brand and Business Strategy, took over as Managing Director on 1 January. Morton has been with the business for three years, and prior to joining Federal held senior roles with William Grant’s, Red Bull, Bacardi, and Lion.

In a statement, Federal & Merchants said that Dennis had been with Federal since its inception in 2001 and served as CEO for the last 19 years, “overseeing and being instrumental in the growth to the strong business that we see today”.

The New Zealand-owned beverage distribution business has a multi-beverage portfolio of local and international brands including Pal’s, Wairau River, Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s, Fireball, San Pellegrino, Angostura, Martini and more.

Commenting on the change, Michael Morton said: “Federal Merchants is in the best shape it has ever been and Aidin leaves behind an amazing legacy. Existing directors Mark Mayers, Bho Patel and Jewel Smith continue to work in the business and are super excited about what lies ahead. We have a fantastic team supported by amazing brands and with a seamless transition it is effectively business as usual, and we expect strong continued growth into the future.”