It was with great sadness that we record the death of Sir George Bull at the age of 88.
After a commission in the Coldstream Guards and a spell in advertising, George dedicated his business career to the drinks trade, rising from his early days with Hennessy and the founding of IDV to be the Chief Executive of Grand Metropolitan and a principal architect of the merger that created Diageo which he then chaired.
One of the most influential leaders of our industry in the modern age, he was an inspiring leader and a consummate businessman with a warm and generous nature encouraging generations of young people to succeed in our industry.
In 1994 he was awarded the distinction of becoming a Chevalier de L’Ordre National de La Legion d’Honneur, the highest civil honour granted by the French Government, and was knighted in the New Years Honours list in January 1998.
Becoming a Distiller in 1996 and an Honorary Steward in 2017, he was a great supporter of our Livery and especially our Charity and its partners as well as the industry where he was a Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich.
On leaving Diageo he joined J Sainsbury plc as Chairman and retired after six years in 2004.
Always a dedicated family man he was fortunate to have five children, Sebastian, Rupert, Justin, Cassian and Tamsin and thirteen grandchildren during a long marriage to his beloved wife Tessa who passed away only last year.
A unique character and leader he will be sorely missed by Distillers and his wide circle of friends around the globe.
