Diageo, the leading global distiller, has recognised a number of key employees and stakeholders for their exceptional contribution to Scotch whisky at the bi-annual Keepers of the Quaich banquet.
Out of the eight nominees from across the globe, four nominees from India were titled as ‘Keepers of the Quaich’ at the 63rd ceremony that took place recently at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl, Perthshire, Scotland.
Keepers of the Quaich is an international society established by the Scotch whisky industry to celebrate the outstanding commitment of those involved in the production, promotion and protection of the world’s finest distilled spirit.
The latest Keepers of the Quaich banquet saw 43 people inducted into the elite circle, and five people honoured as Masters of the Quaich from 15 countries around the world, including India, Mexico, South Africa, France and Sweden.
Among those honoured as Masters of the Quaich (the industry’s highest accolade) is Diageo’s Edward Pilkington (Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer for North America).
Diageo also had eight nominees accepted as Keepers of the Quaich, including five employees and three stakeholders, all of who have demonstrated an exceptional contribution to Scotch whisky.
Diageo’s nominees are Julie Bramham (Global Brand Director, Johnnie Walker), James Mackay (Head of Rare & Exceptional Spirits), Prathmesh Mishra (Chief Commercial Officer, Diageo India), Jackie Robertson (Master Distiller, Brora Distillery), and Claudia Schubert (President of US Spirits & Canada).
Diageo’s stakeholder nominees are Shatbhi Basu (Partner, Creative Consultants and Stir Academy of Bartending), Puneet Chhatwal (CEO at The Indian Hotels Co. Ltd), and Manish Pardasani (Director and Chairman, Mumbai Wines & Trades Pvt. Ltd.
The April banquet also marked the introduction of Diageo’s Ian Smith as Chair of Keepers of the Quaich, one of the most distinguished industry leadership positions, with responsibility for running the Keepers management committee and presiding over the Blair Castle ceremony for a 3-year term.
