Leading drinks group Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine (UK) Ltd (ADUK) has announced the appointment of Robin Shields as Distillery Manager at its world famous single Islay malt distillery Laphroaig.
Succeeding Iain Henderson who retired in November last year, Shields joins Laphroaig from Coors (formerly Bass Brewers) where he held a number of senior management posts, and was heavily involved in the group’s quality assurance programmes. His most recent appointment was Systems Development Manager within the company’s Customer Technical Services department.
Shields’ first involvement with the drinks industry came as part of his Biochemistry undergraduate studies at Bath University when he took part in two six-month work placements. Little did he know that these were to have a profound impact on both his personal and professional life!
The first placement at Bass Brewing in Burton-on-Trent not only lead him to secure a post with the company in Runcorn post graduation, but also enabled him to meet Maggie, who 2 years later became his wife.
The second placement at the Scottish Horticultural Research Institute based at Invergowrie, Dundee ignited Shields’ love and passion for Scotland and his long-term desire to explore and discover the country’s rich distilling heritage.
Whilst with Bass in Runcorn, Shields was part of the brewing team that scaled new heights by breaking through the two million barrel mark. It was at this time that he was awarded his Diploma from the Institute of Brewing.
It wasn’t until 1981 that Shields became acquainted with Laphroaig, when he considered applying for the post of Assistant Distillery Manager on Islay as advertised in the The Brewer. Motivated by the advertisement and with a true sense of discovery Shields tasted his first ‘dram’ of LAPHROAIG 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky and he hasn’t looked back since! LAPHROAIG’s uniquely challenging flavour remains one of his firm favourites. And the Assistant Manager job? Let’s just say that fate - and timing - dissuaded him from applying at that time!
In addition to his role as Distillery Manager responsible for the production of Scotland’s most distinctive single malt brand, Robin will, like his predecessor, play a lead role in promoting LAPHROAIG around the world and in particular through the brand’s 150,000 strong consumer loyalty programme ‘Friends of LaphroaigTM’.
What about Islay and the challenge he faces as Distillery Manager for Laphroaig? Shields is clearly smitten, “The Island has a unique and timeless quality which is hard to describe in words – it’s more a sense of belonging which I truly believe is driven by fate and my failure to pursue the original vacancy 20 years ago.
To be given the opportunity to make my mark on such a prestigious brand as LAPHROAIG is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to it with immense relish. I’ve learned a lot about the quality of products and the importance of good service throughout my working life, and I shall be using all my skills to continue the fine tradition of my predecessors at Laphroaig”.
Shields takes up his appointment during February and plans to move to Islay in April, with Maggie following once his son completes his sixth form education.
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