Products You May Like
Dr Emma Walker will take over as the brand new Johnnie Walker grasp blender following the retirement of Dr Jim Beveridge OBE after 40 years of service within the business.
Beveridge will probably be retiring on the finish of the yr after greater than 40 years at Diageo, twenty years of which he spent as grasp blender.
Walker will formally take up the function of grasp blender from 1 January 2022.
Beveridge mentioned: “It’s with pleasure and confidence that I cross on this privilege to Emma. I do know she’s going to do an exquisite job as she possesses the data, experience and dedication to make an incredible grasp blender.”
The Johnnie Walker proprietor labelled Beveridge as ‘one of the extremely revered figures within the business’. In 2019, he was made an Officer of the Most Glorious Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the Scotch whisky industry.
“On a private stage I’m delighted for her, and I do know that her splendidly infectious character, that made working along with her so fulfilling, will deliver one thing thrilling and completely different to the staff and, certainly, to the broader Scotch business,” he added.
Walker would be the first feminine to tackle the function of grasp blender for Johnnie Walker, and can lead a bunch of 12 in her new place.
Walker joined Diageo 13 years in the past, and has since gained expertise in Scotch manufacturing and mixing.
She has labored with Johnnie Walker for the previous six years, engaged on improvements together with the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Uncommon collection, which unveiled its fourth release last week, and the Jane Walker bottling.
Walker mentioned: “I’m honoured to tackle the title of grasp blender of Johnnie Walker, and at an thrilling time for the model as we embark on the following step of our journey looking forward to the following 200 years.
“I like experimenting and innovating with flavour and we’ll be working onerous to not solely proceed to ship the unrivalled high quality that we’re famend for but additionally introducing blends to enchantment to a brand new technology of Scotch whisky followers.”
‘Iconic flavours’
Walker has spent a number of years working with Beveridge to develop her data and understanding of whisky.
“I’ve learnt a lot over my profession working with Jim – whose data and generosity of spirit is unsurpassed on this planet of whisky,” she commented.
Julie Bramham, international model director for Johnnie Walker, mentioned: “It’s via Jim’s tireless work, unimaginable experience and dedication to high quality that the enduring flavours of the Johnnie Walker portfolio are so widespread right now and we thank him for his excellent contribution over the past 4 many years.
“Emma takes over at an thrilling time; Scotch is being loved in so many alternative methods by individuals from all around the world and I do know that Emma and her staff will proceed to develop the distinctive tastes, textures and flavours that we’re famend for.”
Earlier this month, Johnnie Walker launched the latest global marketing push in its ‘Keep Walking’ campaign, centered on encouraging optimism because the world reopens.
In the meantime, in September, Diageo formally opened its eight-floor Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor experience.