Ardbeg Committee appoints first ever Co-chairs

In a major development, the Ardbeg Committee has appointed its first ever co-chair leadership team, marking a significant transition as the community celebrates its 25th anniversary. Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Visitor Centre Planner Bryony McNiven will now jointly lead the 200,000-strong global fan base, taking over from longtime Chair Jackie Thomson.

This leadership change comes as the Committee continues its mission to champion Ardbeg, the iconic Islay malt whisky. Formed in 2000 to help preserve the distillery’s future, the Committee now spans over 130 countries.

The new co-chairs bring a powerful combination of technical expertise and deep Islay heritage. Their appointment signals a renewed focus on fan engagement, whisky innovation, and strengthening Ardbeg’s global community while honouring the legacy of outgoing Chair Jackie Thomson.