Thursday, October 21, 2021

JOHNNIE WALKER APPOINTS NEW MASTER BLENDER

Diageo, has announced the appointment of Emma Walker as the new Master Blender, for its Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky brand.

Emma Walker succeeds Jim Beveridge OBE, who retires at the end of the year after more than 40 years at Diageo, becoming the first female Master Blender in the 200 year history of Johnnie Walker.

New Johnnie Walker Master Blender: Emma Walker

Aptly named, although no relation to the Walker family, Emma joined Diageo 13 years ago and has gained extensive knowledge and experience of Scotch production and innovation to become a highly respected blender who has worked extensively on Johnnie Walker for the last six years.

Emma has spent several years working with Jim Beveridge OBE to develop an encyclopaedic understanding and knowledge of whisky, and has led innovations to date, which include the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series and Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker.

The role of Johnnie Walker Master Blender is one of the most coveted in the industry, and Emma will lead the 12-strong team of expert whisky makers in the pursuit of exceptional flavour, crafting and blending whisky from the four corners of Scotland to create the numerous Johnnie Walker variants which are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

Commenting on the news, Emma Walker, said: “I am honoured to take on the title of Master Blender of Johnnie Walker, and at an exciting time for the brand as we embark on the next step of our journey looking ahead to the next 200 years. I love experimenting and innovating with flavour and we’ll be working hard to not only continue to deliver the unrivalled quality that we are renowned for but also introducing blends to appeal to a new generation of Scotch Whisky fans.”

Emma Walker will officially hold the title of Master Blender from 1 January 2022, and Jim Beveridge will remain with the business until the end of the year.


Posted by Steve Rush