Governance and peopleMaster and Wardens

The Master

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  Daniel Szor

  The Master

  Daniel Szor was installed as Master on 20 November 2025. Born in New York, Daniel spent almost three decades working in foreign exchange trading and investment management in Paris and London. A longstanding interest in whisky eventually led him in a different direction. Inspired by the barley growing near his Cotswolds home, he founded the Cotswolds Distillery with the ambition of creating a locally made English single malt. Daniel joined the Distillers’ Company in 2016 through his connection with the Gin Guild. His work across distilling and the wider trade has included service with the Gin Guild, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and the English Whisky Guild. As Master, Daniel is the Company’s chair and figurehead. He presides over the Court, represents the Company at civic, industry and Livery occasions, and leads a year shaped by fellowship, knowledge and charitable purpose.

The Wardens

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  Vincent Keaveny CBE KStJ

  Upper Warden

  Vincent Keaveny is a City solicitor with experience in banking, finance and capital markets. He was elected Alderman for Farringdon Within in 2013, served as Sheriff in 2018–19 and as Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2021–22. He joined the Distillers’ Company in 2016 and brings knowledge of City governance and the wider Livery movement. He is also a Past Master of the Woolmen’s Company and has connections with several other Livery Companies.

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  Kirsten Grant Meikle

  Middle Warden

  Kirsten Grant Meikle has spent her career in the drinks trade, including commercial and category roles with Matthew Clark and a range of roles within her family business, William Grant & Sons. She joined the Company in 2007 and has contributed to its charitable, educational and inclusion work. Her appointment as Middle Warden marked the first time a woman had held the role in the Company’s history.

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  Trevor Stirling

  Renter Warden

  Trevor Stirling has spent his career in consumer products, the drinks industry and finance. After early roles with Procter & Gamble and McKinsey, he worked at Guinness and Diageo before becoming a leading analyst of the global drinks sector. His experience gives the Company a view of industry strategy, markets and long-term change. He has also played a central role in the Company’s work with industry and membership.

Leadership for one year; stewardship for the long term

The annual progression of senior officers brings change while maintaining continuity. The Master and Wardens work closely with the Court, committees and Clerk’s Office, so that the decisions of one year contribute to the Company’s longer-term work.