Committees work within remits approved by the Company’s governance structure and report through the appropriate route to the Master and Wardens or Court.
Company committees
Master and Wardens’ Committee
Supports the Company’s executive leadership, coordinates activity between Court meetings and helps turn agreed strategy into priorities and action.
Committee Chair: Name Surname
Industry Committee
Strengthens the Company’s relationship with the global spirits trade. Its work includes industry engagement, relevant events, corporate participation and the continued development of a membership that covers the breadth of the modern sector. The Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion work sits within this remit.
Committee Chair: Christopher Hayman
Individual Members Committee
Helps newer members build connections and take an active part in Company life. Its programme includes relaxed gatherings, tastings and other accessible ways to meet fellow members and learn how to contribute.
Committee Chair: Chris Porter
Communications Committee
Brings together the Company’s public voice across print and digital channels. The committee helps keep stories from across the Livery clear, consistent and relevant to members, partners, the City and the wider industry.
Committee Chair: Ewan Lacey
Scottish Committee
Represents and connects the Company’s substantial membership in Scotland. It contributes to education, philanthropy, fellowship, industry relationships and affiliations, while also organising the annual Scottish Dinner and other activity north of the border.
Committee Chair: Michael Urquhart
Vocational Training and Education Committee
Develops opportunities for people entering and progressing within the spirits trade. Its work includes educational partnerships, awards, bursaries, mentoring, seminars, work experience and the sharing of knowledge held across the Livery. This programme is supported by funding from The Distillers’ Charity.
Committee Chair: Name Surname
City & Livery Giving Committee
Builds charitable relationships with City institutions, industry organisations and community partners. It helps focus support where the Company’s networks, volunteering and funding can be of use. This work forms one of The Distillers’ Charity’s three principal impact areas.
Committee Chair: Richard Watling
Past Masters’ Committee
Draws on the experience of former Masters to support continuity and succession. The committee considers candidates for roles including Steward and Court Assistant and helps preserve the character of the Company as it develops.
Committee Chair: Name Surname
Military Affiliations Liaison Team
Known as the MALT Committee, this team coordinates the Company’s relationships with its military affiliates. Liaison members maintain direct contact with each unit, supported by Court oversight and central coordination.
Committee Chair: Jamie Barklem
Spirit and Wine Committee
Brings trade knowledge to the selection and service of spirits and wines at Company occasions. Its work helps hospitality meet Livery standards and show the breadth of the industry.
Committee Chair: Allan Cheesman
Member-led by design
Committee service is one of the main ways members contribute to the Company beyond attending events. It allows ideas to be tested by people with relevant experience and creates opportunities for members at different stages to work together.
The formal committee structure is reviewed as the Company’s strategy and needs evolve.
Meet the Court of Assistants