Chivas Blending Team Restructured

Pernod Ricard has announced a new team structure for its Scotch whisky and premium gin business, Chivas Brothers, including changes to the positions of current Master Blenders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop. Several new faces have also joined the team, while others have moved up in positions to help take the business into its next phase of growth and begin to pass on the traditions and techniques at Chivas to a new generation.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chivas Brothers CEO and Chairman said, “The Chivas Brothers Blending Team brings together an enviable wealth of talent that is set to reinforce the craftsmanship and quality of our whisky-making and continue to drive our business forward.

“Excellence is at the heart of Chivas Brothers, and nowhere is this more evident than with industry leaders Colin Scott and Sandy Hyslop, whose new roles will ensure the safeguarding of Chivas Brothers’ iconic and historic brands for the next generation.”

Colin Scott is one of the longest-standing members of the Scotch whisky industry with a career spanning 43 years, and with Chivas for 19 of those. His new role as Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender will see him act as a mentor to the Chivas Regal blenders, passing on his knowledge and ensuring traditions, techniques and the signature Chivas Regal is maintained for the future.

Leading the Blending Team will be Sandy Hyslop. Sandy has more than 30 years of experience in blending Scotch whisky and will take on the newly-created role of Director of Blending across the whole Chivas Brothers’ portfolio.

Kevin Balmforth and Dr Calum Fraser will take on the roles of Chivas Regal Blenders. From 2017, they will be tasked with maintaining quality across the range and traveling with Colin to educate consumers globally on Chivas Regal.

Ashley Smith joined the blending team last year as Apprentice Blender and will continue to learn on all aspects of blending, with a focus on Chivas Regal.

Willie Henderson, who has 37 years of experience in the whisky industry, will work across the entire portfolio for Chivas Brothers and will be supported by Adam Ritchie, who has been with the team for almost a year.

Alan Galloway, who has 16 years of experience in the industry, will work across the portfolio while supporting Sandy exclusively on the Ballantine’s range.

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