I manage the growing number of EWA-affiliated course providers in international markets and help them promote EWA courses to their candidates

I am Head of Business Development at Edinburgh Whisky Academy, which involves developing relationships with whisky brands and hospitality groups to help train and educate their professionals on whisky.Previous to my current role, I established Hong Kong’s first Whisky festival, Malt Masters. This was a huge success and inspired me to focus on improving knowledge and appreciation of whisky amongst consumers. The Academy teaches a whole range of candidates:• whisky ambassadors and brand representatives • sommeliers and bar managers• whisky enthusiasts • visitors to Scotland especially benefit from attending the Academy ahead of distillery visits.Many candidates know what whiskies they enjoy, but the Academy’s courses educate them on how the flavours in whisky are produced and why there are so many different styles of whisky. All the material is taught in a small, intimate environment and the personal approach of the Academy is appreciated by all candidates.I really enjoy working for my family company that is passionate about promoting whisky knowledge. Our approach is engaging and friendly and we try to help candidates learn about whisky in a committed and relevant manner. The Candidate experience is very important:• Candidates on our Diploma in Single Malt are transported from centre of Edinburgh to Arniston House and to the distillery tour• the Tasting Diploma is hosted in the historic Vaults venue in Leith • the Introduction to Whisky Certificate is delivered online and can be learned at the candidate’s own paceThe Academy’s goal is to promote Scotch Whisky and make it accessible for all enthusiasts and professionals alike, no matter their level of prior whisky knowledge.If you’re interested in learning more about whisky, please do get in touch and I’ll be happy to help as best I can.ian@edinburghwhiskyacademy.com07809 426771www.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com

Set up Malt Masters to help educate consumers in Hong Kong about malt whisky. This was on the back of the booming demand and interest in malt whisky, yet the level of knowledge amongst Cantonese consumers was not high. The main event was our annual festival, which was held 3 times from 2014-16 and attracted over 600 consumers in 2015 and 2016. We had over 30 brands represented, with innovative features such as Dream Drams, guest masterclasses, VIP dinners and sponsorship opportunities. As well as the festival, we held regular tasting events hosted by both ourselves and by malt whisky brands.We did receive an offer to buy the company, which would have increased our scale significantly, but we decided not to accept the offer due to relocation of key personnel.

Coordinate research ideas and develop relationships with clients, institutional fund managers, and analysts, while increasing business levels. Engage in successful promotion of product portfolio across the Asian region. Source, identify, and cultivate key relationships with long-only institutions and hedge funds in Hong Kong and Singapore.Key Accomplishments♣ Credited with increasing business with more than 10 institutions across Asian markets, including Point 72 AM, CS, Deutsche AM, Alliance Bernstein, First State, Arcus, Dymon, Wellington, and SLI.♣ Earned distinction by ranking 9th out of 500 Asia Ex Sales People for performance on alpha capture programme (picking stocks).♣ Successfully planned and executed two Pan Asian conferences in Hong Kong in support of more than 80 clients and 25 corporates.♣ Recognized for ability to devise and implement winning strategies, which resulted in appointment as Head of Singapore Client Strategy. Generated revenue uplift from SGP client base of over 70% during tenure.

Managing Director Led a team of sales professionals and analysts in execution of the expansion of the firm’s products into the UK market. Successfully promoted core products and strategies to new institutional clients. Leveraged key personal relationships to achieve targeted results.Key Accomplishments♣ Credited for role in client introduction that resulted in a prosperous development with a US firm that offered trading capability to Advanced Research Japan.♣ Initiated business relationships with seven clients and significantly improved business with existing clients. ♣ Generated nearly GBP 1 million revenue and improved business by four times in just 12 months, earning recognition for significant momentum.

Investment Analyst – Western Europe Small and Mid CapsAnalysed European companies for this asset management fund with c EUR 350m AUM to determine potential investment. Engaged in meeting management and conducted comprehensive research.Key Accomplishments♣ Top recommendation appreciated in value 3 times in the 12 months after purchase of stake and subsequently increased in value over 7 times from initial price.♣ Employed fundamental, bottom up, stock picking strategies. Successfully invested in quality firms with sound balance sheet, competitive position, strategy, and management and growth outlook (GARP).♣ Earned appointment as Assistant PM for Sustainable Euro Small-Mid Cap Fund and successfully contributed to portfolio construction.

Global Japanese Equity Sales (Japan, HK & Singapore clients) Cultivated relationships with new clients. Key accounts included Capital, Indus, and Putnam.Key Accomplishments♣ Secured business from eight new clients and successfully generated more than $3 million in commission for the firm in 2006, resulting in a solid stock picking track record. ♣ Planned and executed marketing of the firm’s quantitative alpha product in Japan. Establishment of this new product in Japan led to the listing of the first two Japanese swap products and generated $1 million in revenue.Vice President, Japanese Equity Sales, London Built strategic alliances across Edinburgh. Key Accomplishments♣ Reestablished the firm’s relations with Edinburgh client base and doubled revenues within the first 18 months in the role.♣ Demonstrated a wide range of skills which resulted in several promotions. Quickly progressed from Graduate Trainee to Manager. Promoted from Manager to Vice President and transferred to Tokyo.

Served as 2nd Lieutenant in 1st Battalion The Highlanders with the British Army. Designed and implemented a training programme for platoon of 30 soldiers in preparation for winter exercises in Canada and infantry operations.