IBD Masterclass Speaker

Richard Watling - Former Scotch Whisky Global Marketing Director at Diageo

  • Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers 2016-17
  • Trustee the Distillers Charity – Chair Vocational Training and Education
  • Council Member then President of the Royal Warrant Holders
    Association 2003-2015. Trustee of Charity Fund 2015-present
  • Chairman the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust 2007-12
  • Chairman the Keepers of the Quaich 1998 – 2005
  • Council Member the Scotch Whisky Association 1997-2005
  • Fellow the Chartered Management Institute
  • BA Business Studies (Marketing and French )City of London College
  • Lived and worked in France, Belgium, Scotland, Hong Kong, UK
  • Married with 2 Children. Resides in the Cotswolds
  • Member Leander, Goodwood, RAF and City of London Livery Clubs

1997- 2005

 

 

 

GLOBAL INNOVATION DIRECTOR /PRESIDENT OF RESERVE BRANDS GROUP, DIAGEOPLC, GLOBAL

 

Responsible for the creation and activation of Diageo’s innovation portfolio globally. During this period responsible for the Johnnie Walker premium portfolio including King George V, The John Walker, Gold label Reserve, Diamond Jubilee, Double Black, Buchannan’s Master and The Singleton malt whisky.

Also, the creation and management of the luxury spirits portfolio which included the existing Johnnie Walker Blue and Gold Labels, Don Julio tequilas as well as the development of Ciroc vodka and Tanqueray 10 gin. Having created the Reserve way of selling luxury spirits this new business model ‘The Reserve Brands Group’ was rolled out into 16 countries. Development of Ready to Drink strategy leading to the creation and launch of Smirnoff Ice.

1997 - 1987

GLOBAL INNOVATION DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL DISTILLERS AND VINTNERS LTD (GRAND MET PLC), GLOBAL

Development of Malibu, Archers Peach County Schnapps, Bombay Sapphire, Spey Royal in Thailand, and a portfolio of local brands in India, China, Brazil, Venezuela, and Africa.

1987 - 1985

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CALLITHEKE LTD

Creation and management of a portfolio of Functional non-alcoholic drinks.

Aqua Libre, Dexter’s Hypotonic, and Purdey’s energy drink.

1985 - 1975

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR/PROJECT DIRECTOR, BAILEYS IRISH CREAM

Technical and process development. Design and project management of prototype manufacturing facility. Design and construction of two manufacturing and bottling facilities in Ireland. Project management of Cape Velvet Cream facility in South Africa and Grand Marnier Cream in France.