What inspires you?
As part of my job, I get to travel all around the world, meet new people and share this great drink with them. I enjoy life, and love to see people enjoy themselves.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I’ve met many people in my job: Queen Elizabeth the second, Barack Obama, Tom Cruise and Tom Jones. Queen Elizabeth was a superb person. She has a great presence and was a great guest when she visited the home of Guinness, the Guinness Storehouse.
What’s the strangest beer you’ve ever tasted?
That’s a tricky one! Beer has taken on all sorts of tastes and profiles over the years. Today’s craft brewers are adding interesting ingredients to their brew, some of which are quite novel, and make for fun experiences for consumers.
Would you ever consider changing your job?
No. A lot of people can become a brewer, but to be a master brewer, you would have to truly understand the soul of the product, the passion that goes with making the beer. I’ve got lucky to get this job, fell it in love with it, and with Guinness. I have a science background, and understanding of chemistry and physics is key, to bring the ingredients together. There is never a dull day in my role, you’re always growing—you never stop.
Have you tried local beers like Jungle Beer and Archipelago? What do you think of them?
These guys do a great job and are helping grow the beer market. I love to see interesting new beers being developed locally.
What’s next for you?
More launches of the new look Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, visiting consumers, and speaking with them. Singapore is the first market to launch the new packaging which is an amazing achievement. My next stop will likely be Africa where the new look roles out next.
