Johnnie Walker's Jim Beveridge awarded OBE

Johnnie Walker master blender Dr Jim Beveridge has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the scotch whisky industry.

Beveridge has worked at Diageo for nearly 40 years and he now oversees the production of all scotch whisky under the spirits conglomerate’s portfolio.

“We believe we are the custodians of our brands, standing on the shoulders of the giants who went before us. I really feel that today,” said Beveridge.

“This is recognition of everyone, over the years, who has been involved in making Johnnie Walker the leading global brand that it is.”

Johnnie Walker ranked 10th in this year’s The Millionaires’ Club having sold nearly 19m nine litre cases in 2018 globally.

It is the largest scotch whisky brand by volume and more than double the size of Pernod Ricard’s Ballantine's.

Beveridge added: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone who contributes to making Johnnie Walker.

“It is a team effort by all the women and men who work in our distilleries, coppersmiths, cooperage, warehouses and bottling halls across Scotland.”