THE death has taken place of Mr David Dand, former chairman and chief executive of Gilbeys of Ireland and R&A Bailey. Mr Dand retired as managing director of Gilbeys five years ago, having worked with the company for almost 35 years, during which he became one of the best known and most successful businessmen in the industry.

Mr Dand joined Gilbeys in 1958 and became chief executive in 1968 - a position he occupied for almost 25 years. He was made chairman as well in 1972. He retired as managing director in 1992, remaining on for some years after as non executive chairman.

Mr Dand was involved in some of the most important developments in the industry. Following a visit to the US in 1961 he introduced Smirnoff vodka to Ireland by persuading its parent to give the Irish licence to Gilbeys.

In 1975 Mr Dand brought the cream liqueur Baileys to the market. At the time he said that Gilbeys had spare capacity and wanted a product "to be Irish made and to respect the things that Ireland is respected internationally for". The resulting marriage of whiskey and dairy products now sells four million cases annually in 170 markets.

Following his retirement from his executive responsibilities with Gilbeys, Mr Dand continued for a period as managing director for Eastern Europe and the Middle East of IDV, part of the Grand Metropolitan group.

Mr Dand, who was 64, is survived by his wife Leonora, his children Nicola and Alastair and his brother, Peter.