From Beer to Whisky and Back: David's Career Journey at Greene King
David’s journey with Greene King is a testament to unwavering dedication and remarkable transformation. His first step into the company in 2001 placed him at the forefront of the brewery.
Over the years, David embraced different roles, all the while refining his craft and accumulating experience. After leaving the business in 2007, David began an intriguing detour into English Single Malt Whiskey. His creations not only earned him a cascade of awards but are said to have played a pivotal role in the renaissance of English Whiskey!
Despite nearly 15 years immersed in the Whiskey Domain, David decided to return to his beer-brewing roots in 2021. This extraordinary journey not only underscores David’s unwavering commitment to his craft but also highlights Greene King's dynamic beliefs.
Why did you join Greene King?
I joined in 2021 but had been here before. I left in 2007 to become the only distiller making whisky in England for over 100 years...almost certainly the first ever to produce an English Single Malt Whisky. I won lots of awards for the whisky I made, so happy days! There are now 49 English Whisky distilleries so I guess I helped start the revolution! After almost 15 years I'd had enough of whisky so came back to my first love of beer.
SUMMARISE YOUR CAREER AT GREENE KING AND THE DIFFERENT ROLES YOU HAVE HAD
Originally it started way back in 2001 down in Draught Beer putting beer into casks on the then, newly installed cask filling system. I worked on the cask rackers and cask pumps as well as on the keg line. I came up to the Brewhouse after a year and progressed from there. I then became a Team Leader and then onto a Shift Brewer through a lot of hard graft!
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ACROSS A VARIETY OF THE GREENE KING BRANDS SUPPORTED YOUR GROWTH/CAREER PROGRESSION?
It was a slightly odd path for me with leaving and then returning but the changes I've seen since I've been back have been truly amazing. A totally different company in a very good way...maybe if you've been here a while you may not see that but I definitely do.
How has Greene King supported you in your career progression?
Greene King supported me originally through comprehensive training; both technical and management-focused.
What is your favourite thing about working in hospitality?
Producing a product people want to consume.
What would you say to someone considering a career at Greene King?
Go for it... I didn't regret it the first time and definitely don't regret returning.
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5 ESSENTIAL SKILLS YOU'LL DEVELOP IN THE GREENE KING DRIVER ACADEMY
Are you interested in a Driving career? Greene King is here to give you a leg up, nurture your talent and equip you with the skills you need to jumpstart your driving career. We’re so committed to getting our delicious brews from A to B that we’ve invested in training the next generation through our very own Driver Academy. Once you are trained as a Dray Crew member, you’ll have the option to level up your skills and complete the Academy.
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