I'm incredibly honoured to share that I was elected on 10 July 2024 as the first female Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers in its 461-year history. The Brewers’ Company, one of City of London’s historic Livery Companies, has been a cornerstone of our industry and plays a crucial role connecting brewers across the industry and supporting education institutions and research for the sector. This role is particularly meaningful to me as it highlights how far we've come in an industry that was once predominantly male-dominated. When I began my career, I was often the only woman at industry events. Today, it's inspiring to see so many talented women shaping the future of brewing. It is my honour to follow in the footsteps of former Diageo and Guinness colleagues who have been elected Master of the company, including: Edward Guinness, Peter Lipscome, Stephen Wingfield Digby, Sir Hugh Beaver and Tony Mair. I would like to extend my congratulations to Diageo’s Nuno Teles and Colin O’Brien who were also elected Liverymen. It is traditional to celebrate the election of a Master at Court Lunch in Brewers’ Hall in London and this event was also held on Wednesday 10 July. We celebrated with "Arthur's Last Ale," a special brew recreated from a recipe in a Brewers Ledger from 1796 by Pete Simpson and the talented team in the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin. We also raised at toast to King Charles III with a one of a kind ale called “The Lost Barrel”. Originally brewed for the opening of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery back in 2017, the team filled Guinness' Special Export Stout into Bulleit Rye Whiskey barrels. One of the fine barrels was thought lost and it was my great good fortune that earlier this year it was found! With an ABV of 14.8%, The Lost Barrel is a masterclass in barrel maturation: the silky texture is punctuated with a bourbon character, imparting a sweet, vanilla-infused aroma that complements the deeply roasted malts. It is my ambition to continue the Brewers’ Company’s efforts to increase funds for the Company’s General Charitable Trust which enables us to make valued contributions to our beneficiaries, and to champion our role within education and in supporting research that enables the future of our sector. #BrewingHistory #WomenInBrewing #IWorkForDiageo #WorshipfulCompanyOfBrewers
Bruce Ray
1mo
Many congratulations Katherine. I will always be able to say that I joined the Worshipful Company of Brewers on the same day as its first woman Master. Delighted for you and feel very honoured.
Congratulations for your tireless dedication and inspirational work. Your conviction to excellence and determination in the face of opposition is a real testament that diversity is a real imperative. All my female students and protégés know exactly what you represent. Thanks for standing strong so that the generation rsaches high heights. We, at Excellence in Education (EIE) Programme SALUTE.
David Jenkins
1mo
Great to see this, congratulations!
Shane Healy
1mo
Well done Katherine! I got a scholarship from Worshipful Conpany 25 years ago to go to Heriot Watt to do MSc in Brewing and Distilling. I am forever grateful and was a huge help at the time. Always remember the question of is brewing an Art or a Science and I went through why I thought both and was awarded the scholarship. Still think the same 25 years later and congrats on making history.
Olav Tavernier
1mo
Of course you know that men only got involved into brewery the last about 500 years and women were brewing beer already 12500 year before that… of course very happy for your recognition as top brewer and scientist (once again and again). Cheers 🍻
Adam Poynton
1mo
Congratulations Katherine. My dad would have been so proud of this achievement for you. Very well deserved. X
Charles Abbas
1mo
Well deserved. Glad that the society is moving with the times to recognize the role of women as outstanding brewers. That medal has found its rightful place. Envious that you got to sample some once in a lifetime brewed ales. Enjoy your summer and stay safe. Charles
Chris Searle
1mo
Hi, Katherine, Many congratulations in becoming Master Brewer. You will have an intense time during your year and have a lot of fun, with many new friends to meet with like minded ambitions. I am sure our paths will cross again even though my Masters year finished last November. Best wishes, Chris
Chief Executive at Shepherd Neame Ltd
1moCongratulations - also a brilliant first speech ! Enjoy the year….