Guy is MD of Brockman’s Gin, an independent English gin company. Previous to this Guy was UK CEO of Mast-Jaegermeister UK Ltd, where he is responsible for the running of the brand in the UK.

Prior to joining Mast-Jaegermeister UK Ltd, he worked at Russian Standard Vodka as European Managing Director with responsibility for business leadership through the region including the UK. Guy has held a number of senior management roles within and outside the drinks industry.

Neil is the Managing Director UK & Ireland for William Grant and Sons, the UK’s leading independent distiller and leading premium spirits business in the UK, with brands including Hendricks, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Monkey Shoulder and Reyka. Graduating from Southampton University in physics and chemistry, Neil has extensive board level experience across a variety of blue chip FMCG and drink businesses including Exxon, Mars, PepsiCo and in the wine industry with Treasury Wine Estates.

Neil has particular passions for developing high performing teams and culture; for building brands globally and locally; and for developing deep partnership relationships between suppliers and retailers. A dual British and Australian citizen, Neil lives in Teddington and has a passion for sport, in particular Spurs where he is a long-suffering season ticket holder.

Over the many years of being part of the drinks industry, it has become clear that I have TWO families. My biological one and my SPIRITUAL one, made up from some of the most amazing people that I have had the pleasure to worked with in the UK. The Drinks Trust is like another family member who is there, if needed, for that extra support and guidance. I'm honoured that I was asked to be a patron, to support and create even more awareness for the Drinks Trust community.

Simon Difford has been involved in nearly every aspect of the drinks industry, from running his own off-licence and wholesale company (which he established in 1989) to importing spirits and brand creation. Best known as a drinks writer and publisher, Simon noticed the burgeoning cocktail renaissance in the mid 1990s and established CLASS magazine to capitalise on it. The title became the leading UK bar publication before he sold it in 2001 as the business moved online. Simon has since published cocktail and spirits books and remains the editor-in-chief of diffordsguide.com, the award-winning website providing discerning drinkers with in-depth information to help them make informed choices on what and where to drink.

Nicky has been at the forefront of drinks communications for over 20 years and is the Managing Director of Phipps Relations the award-winning food and drink communications agency.

She heads up Wines of Germany in the UK and her team handles campaigns for Wines from Rioja, Adnams, Lay & Wheeler, Marks & Spencer, Whitley Neill Gin, JJ Whitley, The International Wine Challenge, Koshu of Japan and The Portuguese Cork Producers Association.

Katy has been Managing Director of fine wine merchant Lay & Wheeler since 2016. Previously, she ran the service development team at onefinestay, a UK-based hospitality startup, for four years, after a year at the wine sale site Lot18 in New York City.

She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an AB from Princeton University, where she majored in French and Italian. Between university and graduate school, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Italy studying artisan cheese. She also holds a WSET Diploma.

Jillian is CEO and Founder of the pioneering bar and restaurant group, Drake & Morgan, established in February 2008. Under her direction, the group Morgan has paved the way for other operators, focusing on stylish and contemporary environments that are constantly evolving in terms of innovation, design, customer play and food and drink.

She has received an impressive collection of accolades and awards including an MBE in 2013 for services to the hospitality industry as well as being named one of ‘The Most Powerful People in Hospitality’ by industry magazine, The Caterer.

Andy qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London with Touche Ross (now Deloitte) in 1990 and worked mainly in audit & advisory roles in the financial services sector including spells abroad in Australia, Eastern Europe, The Emirates and Malta.  

Andy joined Mentzendorff in 2002 as Finance Director and now, as Finance & Operations Director, forms part of the Team of three Executive Directors helping to manage the strategic direction and day to day operations of the business. Andy was appointed to the Board of Trustees in July 2016 and is the charity’s Honorary Treasurer.

Laura is co-founder of Club Soda, the Mindful Drinking Movement. Their aim is to help people drink more mindfully and live well.

Club Soda works with the industry to support greater choice in venues and retail for consumers looking to change their drinking habits - including developing education courses, a guide to low and alcohol drinks and research. 

She has over 30 years experience of working in charities, campaigning and the public sector in various roles including as Chief Executive, trustee and a Cabinet member in Islington. She was awarded an MBE when she was 30 for services to the community.