John O’Connell, co-founder of Irish whiskey and gin producer West Cork Distillers (WSD), has been named EY Industry entrepreneur of the Year. WSD bought out the majority stake in the business held by the UK-based Halewood group for about €18 million last year. The company, whose backers include include the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, employs more than 100 people at its Skibberean-based distillery. Mr O’Connell told The Irish Times, he hadn’t expected to win the award, particularly as the company had gone its own way rather than following other drinks producers. John O’Connell, co-founder of West Cork Distillers and winner of the EY Industry Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020.

Source: The Irish Times November 12, 2020 17:50 UTC