The Wardens

The Upper Warden, Brian Morrison

Brian became a liveryman in 1975 and was elected Renter Warden in November 2009.

He is the third generation of his family to be involved in the Scotch Whisky Industry as Brokers, Blenders and Distillers under the auspices of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, and having spent some forty years with the family business, retired in 2004.

He is a former Council Member and Treasurer of the Scotch Whisky Association, a member of the Management Committee and a Master of the Keepers of the Quaich, and is presently Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Liqueur Centre based near Perth.

Brian lives at Troon in the west of Scotland and golfs from time to time to a single figure handicap.

The Middle Warden, David Raines

In his “day job”, Middle Warden David Raines manages an international healthcare consultancy company, Health Network Associates and is a partner in another, London Medicine UK. Having worked in Baghdad responsible for a $1 billion US reconstruction programme as the Director of the Public Buildings, Health and Education, his more recent activities include developing private patient markets in Pakistan, China, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait for a private hospital group.

David and his wife Jenny also run Performance Healthcare – a company that provides a confidential helpline for professional sports men and women who need help with psychological problems such as depression, gambling, drugs and drink abuse. He has yet to attract a patient from his own Livery Company – so perhaps the Drinkaware campaign is working!

David was granted his Freedom of the City in 1994 whilst serving in the Royal Navy responsible for planning and co-ordinating plans for major events in London – and subsequently joined the Court as an Assistant in 2005. He is now reducing his professional travel commitments to take a full and active part in his livery life as a Warden of the Worshipful Company of Distillers’ over the next three years.

The Renter Warden, Allan Cheesman

Allan became a liveryman in January 1993.  His career of nearly 40 years in the wine and spirits industry was founded on 31 years at J Sainsbury, where he advanced from trainee wine buyer to Trading Director.  Since 2002 Allan has his own consultancy business working with several global wine companies together with various non executive positions.  He remains very active in industry matters and sits on the Awards Board of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, the Advisory Board of the London Wine Fair as well as being a senior judge on three major wine tasting competitions.

Passionate about the drinks industry, Allan was awarded the rank of Officier of the Merite Agricole by the French government for services to French wine.  In 2011 he received the award of  Oficiel de Cruz by the King of Spain in the Order of Isabella the Catholic – a high civil award for services to Spain and its wines.  He is also a lifetime Keeper of the Quaich.

Although not much time for hobbies he tries to keep fit, enjoys travelling, military history, wine and food.

Allan is married and lives in Chiswick West London with his wife Jan.  They have four children and four grandchildren – so he is kept quite busy!