The co-founder of Four Pillars, Cameron Mackenzie, will leave the Australian gin brand after a decade leading the distilling team.
Four Pillars was founded in 2013 in the Yarra Valley on the outskirts of Melbourne by Mackenzie, Stuart Gregor and Matt Jones.
A decade later, the gin producer was acquired by Sydney-based food and beverage marketing company Lion. Mackenzie and Jones, Four Pillars brand and strategy director, remained with the business following the deal, while Gregor went on a sabbatical.
Mackenzie’s departure was announced in a LinkedIn post this morning (30 August) by Four Pillars.
It read: “Cameron Mackenzie used to be a good 400m runner. So good that he competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics representing Australia on the 4 x 400m team. And as all relay runners know, there always comes a time to pass on the baton.”
The post revealed the chief distiller’s words to the team: “Today I announce my departure from Four Pillars – it is time to step away. As you would have noticed over the last 12 months, I have made myself beautifully obsolete.
“I know I look busy as I prance around the distillery holding a manila folder, but the reality is that the folder is empty and I only come in for the free coffee and to bother you all. It’s from the George Costanza play book.”
Prowse picks up the baton
Four Pillars head of production Sarah Prowse was named Mackenzie’s successor, tasked with leading the distilling team at the Healesville-based site.
Prowse joined Four Pillars as a distiller in 2020, after a 15-year career in winemaking, the post said.
“She’s been in charge of production for the past couple of years so the gins really couldn’t be in better hands,” the post continued.
Alongside Mackenzie, Prowse was inducted into The Gin Guild last year during a ceremony in London last October.
The post concluded: “Today is an announcement of mixed emotions. On one hand, it feels like Cam’s hanging up his lucky apron, but on the other hand it’s a tribute to what he has built over 11 years: an Australian gin legacy that will continue to be bigger than any one person. And, as Cam always says, our best gins are still ahead of us.
“Cam has also always reminded us that there’s no such thing as a former Olympian, you’re one for life. The same is true for founders. And besides, Cam still lives 150m from the distillery and hasn’t bought a coffee in over 10 years so we’re certain it’s not goodbye.”
Last month, Mackenzie told The Spirits Business that Australia could miss out on being a “fantastic global player” in spirits due to the country’s excise tax policy.
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Author: Nicola Carruthers
