The Ardbeg Committee marks another historic milestone as it welcomes its first-ever co-chair leadership team. Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Visitor Centre Planner Bryony McNiven will jointly lead the 200,000-strong fan organization, taking over from longtime Chair Jackie Thomson.
The leadership transition comes as the Committee celebrates its 25th anniversary as guardians of what members call “The Ultimate Islay malt.” This passionate community spans more than 130 countries and was formed in 2000 to ensure Ardbeg‘s survival after the distillery nearly closed in the late 1990s.
Jackie Thomson’s Legacy at Ardbeg
Jackie Thomson’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Ardbeg’s modern history. She served as Distillery Centre Manager for 27 years and Committee Chair for the past four years. Her contributions earned industry recognition in 2023 when she was inducted into the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame.
Thomson reflected on her tenure with characteristic enthusiasm. “My mind is a-buzz with so many fantastic memories. From the outlandish costumes I’ve donned for Ardbeg Day to the musical extravaganzas we have hosted,” she said. “We’ve survived power cuts, madcap experiments and a global pandemic. We have welcomed wedding parties, film crews and many Committee Members who have made the pilgrimage to Islay. It’s been a peaty privilege to get to know them all. “
Her leadership included hosting countless visitors and championing Ardbeg through annual celebrations. Thomson became synonymous with Ardbeg Day, the distillery’s signature annual event that draws whisky enthusiasts from around the world.
New Ardbeg Committee Co-Chairs: Gillian Macdonald & Bryony McNiven
The incoming co-chairs represent a blend of technical expertise and local heritage. Gillian Macdonald brings her master blending credentials, while Bryony McNiven offers deep Islay roots as the daughter of an Ardbeg stillman who worked at the distillery for 35 years.
Macdonald expressed excitement about deeper fan engagement. “In my role as Ardbeg’s Master Blender, some of my favourite moments have been creating Committee releases and letting them loose on the people whose opinion really matters,” she said. The new structure aims to integrate Committee feedback more directly into whisky creation processes.
McNiven’s background includes international brand ambassador work in Sweden before returning to Islay. Her visitor centre role focuses on hospitality excellence. “The Distillery is where my heart is, so now I’m back on Islay where my job in the Visitor Centre is to make Ardbeg the most welcoming Distillery on Earth,” she explained.
Speaking about Gillian and Bryony’s appointments, Jackie said: “I couldn’t think of two better women to pass the baton to. Bryony has worked alongside me as Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre Planner for the past seven years. And Gillian is Ardbeg’s Master Blender, no less. Together they have a shared knowledge of Ardbeg the whisky and Ardbeg the place, that is quite unique.”
Both leaders previously worked together on Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team, giving them shared understanding of the brand’s production philosophy. Their joint appointment represents the Committee’s first co-leadership structure in its quarter-century history.
The Ardbeg Committee
The Ardbeg Committee continues accepting new members through the distillery’s website. Membership remains free and provides access to exclusive releases, distillery news, and special events. The organization’s mission stays unchanged: ensuring “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”
You can join the Ardbeg Committee here.
Read the full article at Ardbeg Committee Welcomes Historic Co-Chair Leadership Duo
