Jackson, who is in his early fifties, will be succeeded by Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, president of International Beverage parent Thai Beverage.

Sirivadhanabhakdi is based in Thailand. However, a spokeswoman for International Beverage, which takes in the Inver House Distillers business, told The Herald yesterday that Sirivadhanabhakdi was a regular visitor to the Scottish operations.

The spokeswoman said nothing would change in the Scottish operations as a result of Jackson stepping down. She highlighted the growth enjoyed during Jackson’s time at the helm.

In May, Inver House Distillers announced that its profit had risen to £7.46m in 2008, from £3.8m in the previous year. International Beverage employs about 162 people in Scotland.

Jackson joined International Beverage in 2005, having been a director of Famous Grouse distiller Edrington previously. He lost out to Ian Curle in the contest to succeed Ian Good as chief executive of Edrington in 2004.

The spokeswoman said Jackson would remain with International Beverage as a part-time adviser, after stepping down at the end of this year.

International Beverage said: “Jackson is credited with delivering many of the company’s major recent achievements, including the growth of its whisky portfolio via its wholly-owned subsidiary Inver House Distillers.”

Jackson, as well as being responsible for Wick single malt Old Pulteney, has also looked after the Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn single malt and Hankey Bannister blended whisky brands during his time at International Beverage.

He has also been responsible for building the presence of Thai Beverage’s Chang beer and Mekhong whisky brands in countries outside Thailand.

International Beverage was formed to be the international arm of Thai Beverage in 2005 to “facilitate the continued expansion of the drinks business outside of Thailand”.

Thai Beverage is chaired by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who bought Inver House Distillers for £56m in 2001.

In a written statement, Jackson said: “I am very pleased to be handing over the business at such a successful time in its development.

“I am confident that our team will continue to see rapid growth as they take the business forward. I look forward to advising the board to help it achieve its goals.”