The Gin Guild strengthens board with new directors
Sophie Best of Silent Pool and Andrew Parsons of Sky Wave have joined The Gin Guild’s board of directors.
Best is the director of William Grant & Sons-owned Silent Pool Distillery, and will bring her brand-building and operational expertise to the Guild.
Meanwhile, Parsons, who is master distiller and co-founder of The Sky Wave Distilling Company, will offer a distiller’s perspective to the trade body.
Best said: “It’s a real honour to join The Gin Guild board and to contribute to an organisation that brings so many passionate, like-minded people together. Being part of the Guild has been a unique and rewarding experience, from the fellowship at events to the opportunity to learn from distillers at every stage of their journey.
“I’m proud to represent Silent Pool Gin and to play a role in shaping how we, as an industry, navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward to supporting the Guild’s work in championing the category, driving meaningful collaboration, and helping to create even more pathways for learning and growth in the years to come.”
The pair will support the Gin Guild’s mission of promoting the gin category and uniting its global community.
Parsons added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be invited to join The Gin Guild board and to work alongside such respected figures from the industry. Being a member of the Guild has been hugely rewarding, both personally and for the growth of Sky Wave. It’s an incredibly supportive community and I see this role as an opportunity to give something back.
“I’m keen to help ensure the Guild continues to stay relevant and responsive to its members, particularly as it grows internationally. I’m also passionate about helping to establish a distiller’s apprenticeship in England. There’s currently no apprenticeship course or qualification, and I believe it’s so important to create opportunities that attract and nurture new talent into the industry.”
Other board members include chairman Christopher Hayman, Dr Anne Brock, Kathy Caton MBE, Jim Long, Charles Maxwell and Martin Riley.
The Gin Guild now has more than 600 members.
The appointments come as former Gin Guild director Dan Szor was named as the 378th Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers earlier this week.
He remains a valued supporter of The Gin Guild’s work and community, the organisation said.
The Gin Guild’s director general Pal Gleed commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Sophie and Andrew to the board. Both bring tremendous insight, energy and expertise that will strengthen the Guild as it continues to champion and connect the global gin community.
“We would also like to recognise and thank Dan Szor for his invaluable contribution during his time as a director, and to congratulate him on his appointment as Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.”
The category’s performance in 2024 was explored at the trade body’s annual Ginposium conference in June.
Earlier this month, in a landmark ruling, the European Union court banned the use of ‘gin’ on non-alcoholic drinks.
Related news
Slingsby Gin founder invests in Hacien Tequila
