Andrew MacLeod Smith
Edinburgh
Summary
A results-driven professional with an engineering background and proven success as CEO and cofounder of a thriving grassroots SME, I bring a unique blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen. I excel at driving growth, fostering innovation, and navigating teams through complex challenges. With strong communication skills and a solutions-oriented mindset, I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments, and I am passionate about delivering meaningful impact and real, long-term value.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO and Co-Founder
Sweetdram Limited
London
04.2014 - 01.2024
- Founded and led a successful SME in the food and beverage industry for nearly a decade, establishing a strong market presence and brand recognition
- Oversaw all aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, sales, and finance, ensuring that each area aligned with our overall vision and goals
- Managed a team of six employees, cultivating a collaborative and high-performing work environment that encouraged innovation and accountability
- Developed and launched 12 new products, securing distribution in over 100 retail outlets nationwide and expanding into international markets, including the US and Australia
- Increased revenue by 35% year-over-year and achieved profitability within the first four years of operation, demonstrating effective business strategies and operational efficiency
- Negotiated key partnerships and contracts with suppliers, distributors, and retailers in the UK and overseas, helping to strengthen our supply chain and extend market reach
- Led the company through periods of growth and change, successfully adapting our strategy to shifts in the market and industry trends, ensuring continued sustainability
- Navigated the business through challenging economic periods, including the impacts of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased flexible resilience and strategic foresight
Production Manager
The London Distillery Company
London
09.2012 - 04.2014
- Oversaw all aspects of spirit production, including distillation, blending, and bottling, ensuring a streamlined process and maintaining high quality standards
- Developed and refined spirit recipes by leveraging my expertise in process engineering, chemistry and sensory analysis to create distinctly progressive products
- Led a team of associate distillers, providing training and guidance on best practices for distillation, quality control and health and safety, which improved operational efficiency and competency
- Collaborated with the marketing team to develop brand messaging and product positioning for TLDC's portfolio of spirits, enhancing market presence and consumer appeal
- Conducted research and development on new spirit products, including single malt and rye whisky, gin, and experimental spirits, which opened up new channels for innovation
- Represented TLDC at industry events and trade shows, building brand awareness and generating new business opportunities to expand our network and reach
Graduate Facilities Engineer
Chevron
Aberdeen
04.2006 - 08.2007
- Acted as the Electrical Technical Authority for the installation of a new gas production rig, ensuring that all electrical construction and commissioning work was completed on time and under budget, which improved project delivery
- Served as the Britannia Electrical Technical Authority, testing and authorising electrical personnel on the platform, which ensured high standards of safety and competency
- Completed a Power Management Study for BOL, utilising the findings to develop more efficient power management procedures that significantly reduced production and revenue losses during platform shutdowns
- Conducted and published a feasibility study for installing a new Gas Turbine Generator, identifying potential savings of approximately $10M per year for the company, which showcased a strategic investment opportunity
- Conducted site inspections to identify potential safety hazards, implementing corrective actions that ensured compliance with regulatory standards and improved workplace safety
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimise production processes, which increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime
- Developed and maintained project plans, schedules, and budgets, making sure projects were completed on time and within scope, leading to improved resource management
Associate Electrical & Instrument Engineer
KBR Halliburton
Aberdeen
10.2004 - 03.2006
- Spearheaded the design, installation, and commissioning of electrical and instrumentation systems for oil and gas production facilities, delivering technical expertise and guidance to ensure seamless operations
- Developed and reviewed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical reports, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulations
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive production process optimisation, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving notable cost saving
- Conducted comprehensive site inspections, proactively identifying and resolving technical issues through effective troubleshooting techniques to minimise downtime
- Developed and implemented robust safety protocols and procedures, fostering a secure working environment for all personnel and contributing to a zero-incident safety record during tenure
Education
MSc Investment Finance -
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland09.2027
MSc - Brewing And Distilling
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland09.2012
BEng Hons - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland07.2004
Other Experience and Educaiton
Film Script Consultant and Reader, Michael Mailer Films, New York City, August 2008 - September 2009
Diploma in Filmmaking, New York Film Academy, New York City, September 2007 - August 2008
Timeline
CEO and Co-Founder
Sweetdram Limited
04.2014 - 01.2024
Production Manager
The London Distillery Company
09.2012 - 04.2014
Graduate Facilities Engineer
Chevron
04.2006 - 08.2007
Associate Electrical & Instrument Engineer
KBR Halliburton
10.2004 - 03.2006
MSc Investment Finance -
Heriot-Watt University
MSc - Brewing And Distilling
Heriot-Watt University
BEng Hons - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Heriot-Watt University
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