Johnnie Walker appoints new Master Blender

Scotch whisky Johnnie Walker has announced that Emma Walker will become the brand’s Master Blender, taking over the reins from Dr Jim Beveridge OBE, who retires at the end of the year after more than 40 years at Diageo, 20 of which as Master Blender.

Walker will be the first female to take on the coveted role of Master Blender in more than two centuries of the business's existence. Aptly named, although no relation to the Walker family, she joined Diageo 13 years ago and has gained extensive knowledge and experience of Scotch production and who has worked extensively on Johnnie Walker for the last six years. Her innovations include the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series and Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker.

Walker will lead the 12-strong team of expert whisky makers: 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.

During her career, she has worked in different areas of whisky production; gaining experience and understanding of how flavour develops in fermentation, distillation, and maturation, striving to ensure quality at every stage of the process. She has spent several years working with Beveridge to develop an encyclopaedic understanding and knowledge of whisky.

Beveridge started his career with Johnnie Walker as an analytical chemist 42 years ago. He has gone on to establish himself as one of the most highly respected figures in the industry, renowned for his skill and dedication to quality. In 2019, he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to the Scotch Whisky industry.

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