Gin Guild welcomes new director general

The Gin Guild has installed a new director general alongside more than 20 new members at its annual installation ceremony.

The global industry body, which promotes excellence in the distilling of gin, named Pal Gleed as its new director general during the event on 5 May at London's historic Guildhall. 

Gleed has supported the Guild’s marketing, events and digital activities over the past eight years as senior digital account manager at marketing agency Mosaic.

He takes over from Nicholas Cook, who helped to establish the Gin Guild in 2012 and had held the post of director general since its inception. In recognition of his contribution, Cook was given a lifetime achievement award - only the fifth Guild member to achieve this accolade.

Guild chairman Christopher Hayman said: “When we created the Gin Guild, never in our wildest dreams did we expect membership to reach 400 as it will at our October [2022] event. 

“Nicholas Cook has brought great energy and determination to the role, creating successful events and tirelessly promoting Gin-Note, the Guild’s flavour guidance system. He has done an incredible job and the Guild wouldn’t be where it is today without him.” 

Gleed said: “Nicholas has been a passionate advocate for and protector of the gin category and has helped to grow its influence in gin-producing countries across the globe.”

Nicholas said: “At a time of unprecedented growth and innovation in the gin industry, I have taken great pride in seeing the major distilling companies supporting and inspiring the many craft distillers who have brought additional vibrancy to the category.”

The annual installation ceremony and banquet also saw the induction of 27 new Guild members from distilleries and brands around the world. They included representatives from Junimperium in Estonia, Hernö Gin in Sweden, Italy's Ginepraio, Better Man Distilling Company in the USA, England's 137 Gin, and the Amsterdam Craft Gin Company. The event's guest speaker was Sam Galsworthy, co-founder of Sipsmith.

11 May 2022 - Bethany Whymark