Today, Lion Australia has confirmed that Cameron Mackenzie, Four Pillars’ Founder and Head Distiller, will be parting ways after a decade with the company. The news was first revealed to staff in an email from Cameron this morning: “Today I announce my departure from Four Pillars – it’s time to step away,” he said.
“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.”
Lion’s CEO Sam Fischer added, “after an incredible decade with Four Pillars, founder and Head Distiller, Cameron Mackenzie, has decided it’s time to step away from the business. We are deeply grateful for his vision, passion, and leadership that have shaped Four Pillars into what it is today.”
The news of Mackenzie’s resignation follows on from recent personal and product accolades, including his induction into both the Australian Distillers’ Hall of Fame and Gin Magazine’s Hall of Fame, and Four Pillars’ being named the IWSC’s Gin Producer of the Year in 2019, 2020, and 2023 respectively. A few weeks ago, Four Pillars was named on the five-distillery shortlist for the 2024 award.
“Amongst his many accomplishments, Cameron has been named IWSC Master Distiller of the Year (2023) was inducted into the Australian Distillers Hall of Fame this year and is the master behind Four Pillars winning International Gin Producer of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition three times,” said Fischer.
In a recent interview with Drinks Trade, Mackenzie said “these awards are humbling to say the least. We are such a young business but it sometimes surprises us just how far we’ve come in the last 10 years… I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people who constantly make me look good! I’d be the first to say that our whole team is embedded in these awards.”
Sarah Prowse, current Head of Production and Distilling at Four Pillars, has been named as Mackenzie’s replacement.
“I can’t think of a more worthy successor than Sarah to pass the baton (or the still) over to,” said Mackenzie.
“Prowsey and I have worked side by side since 2020, and she has been instrumental in the growth of Four Pillars without compromising quality, with the consistency of these gins reflected in the countless awards and accolades that the distillery receives each year.”
Prior to joining Four Pillars in 2020, Prowse worked 15 years as a winemaker in various regions including the Yarra Valley and Bordeaux. According to Fischer, Prowse has played an instrumental role in growing the brand to beyond 1 million bottles per year.
“Sarah Prowse, Head of Production and Distilling, will continue to lead the world-class distilling team as she has done since 2022 doing so with a commitment to quality and passion for innovation which is so much a part of the Four Pillars DNA,” he said.
“She has mentored countless people within the industry and, alongside Cameron, was installed into the prestigious Gin Guild last year – the world’s oldest community of gin-makers and leaders, established in London in 1638.”
In his email, Mackenzie concluded that, “for now, I am taking a holiday and then a long break, I wish nothing but the best for the Four Pillars brand and team and am confident I’m leaving the brand in the very best of hands.”
