The Big Interview: Dr Emma Walker, master blender at Johnnie Walker

Dr Emma Walker is master blender at Johnnie Walker, the first woman to hold the role at the brand that dates back more than 200 years.

The aptly named whisky expert – although no relation to the firm’s eponymous founder – took over from the also-aptly named Dr Jim Beveridge, who was retiring after more than 40 years at Diageo, parent company of what is billed as the world’s top Scotch whisky brand.

He said when her appointment was announced in October last year: “I know she will do a wonderful job as she possesses the knowledge, expertise, and dedication to make an amazing master blender… I know that her wonderfully infectious personality that made working with her so enjoyable will bring something exciting and different to the team and, indeed, to the wider Scotch industry.”