THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
PADDY FLETCHER
FOUNDER / CO-CEO
After a short stint as a financial journalist, Paddy switched careers into finance, training as an accountant in London. After a short spell working for a major house builder, he entered the world of tech start-ups. His final role before going full-time on the distillery was as Finance Director EMEA at WeWork, during a time of extraordinary growth for the global co-working space start-up.
Beyond whisky, Paddy is passionate about building a tech-enabled company that is efficient, ethical and well-run.
IAN STIRLING
FOUNDER / CO-CEO
Before founding Muckle Brig with Paddy, Ian spent a decade working in the wine industry. Starting on the shop floor at Majestic Wines in the UK, he then landed a dream role as Head of Off Trade at Roberson Wines, a London Merchant. He created brands and sold wine to clients around the world, as well as multiple retailers in the UK.
Ian’s primary focus at Muckle Brig is on commercial operations and brand creation.
VAIBHAV SOOD
HEAD OF WHISKY
Born and raised in India, Vaibhav graduated in Chemical Engineering at SRM University in Chennai before moving to Scotland in 2017 to study Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University, earning a Master’s degree that laid the foundation for his career in whisky.
His first role in the industry was at The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, where he worked under the mentorship of Dhavall Gandhi, the former Whiskymaker at Macallan. Over four years, he became Distillery Operations Manager, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of whisky making operations and distillery management.
In 2022, he became Head of Whisky Operations at The Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh, forging the character of our new Single Malt.
TAMSIN JOB
HEAD OF VISITOR EXPERIENCE
When she first joined Muckle Brig in 2022, Tamsin brought 25 years of experience managing 5 Start visitor attractions to our company, including several years with our wonderful neighbour in Leith, The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Since then, she has coordinated the launch of tourism operations at the Lind & Lime and Port of Leith Distilleries, developed a world-class and award-winning team, and forged enduring relationships across the industry. Both attractions have won Travellor’s Choice Awards from TripAdvisor and Gold certification from the Green Tourism Awards.
PAUL GOODWIN
HEAD OF SALES
Paul Goodwin is the Head of Sales at Muckle Brig, where he leads the commercial strategy and growth of the company’s premium spirits portfolio across key markets. With more than two decades of experience in the drinks industry, Paul has built a career defined by strategic brand building, market expansion, and leadership across some of the world’s most respected drinks companies.
Before joining Muckle Brig, Paul successfully launched Mr Black in Europe, guiding its growth from an emerging Australian craft brand to a global success story that culminated in its acquisition by Diageo. Prior to that, he was instrumental in developing the Beam Suntory portfolio across multiple European markets, driving distribution and brand performance in competitive categories.
KHALID HUSSAIN
HEAD OF HOSPITALITY
Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, Khalid grew up in a world of hospitality within a family-run hotel before moving to Edinburgh. He followed his family's footsteps by joining Marriott International soon after and made his way up the ladder, laterally running the food & beverage operation at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Hotel. During his six year stint with the group he also formed part of Marriott UK's Food & Beverage Committee, helping properties across the country bounce back after the pandemic by providing on-site expertise and guidance.
Khalid's arrival to Muckle Brig in 2023 signalled the creation of the Hospitality Division. He spearheaded the launch of the critically acclaimed Port of Leith Distillery Bar and provides strategic direction and management support to our outstanding bar, kitchen and events teams.
THE BOARD
FRASER THORNTON
CHAIRMAN
Fraser became Managing Director of Distell International in 2016 and then Chairman between 2021 and 2023. Since then, he has served as CEO at Scottish Golf, an Non-Executive Director at Campari UK, and Chairman of Rangers Football Club. He now sits at the head of the board as Chairman of Muckle Brig.
JOHNA PENMAN
NON-EXEC DIRECTOR
Johna has held a number of senior positions in marketing across the Scotch Whisky industry, including Head of Brands at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, UK Marketing Director at Ian MacLeod Distillers, and most recently as Global Head of Marketing at Bladnoch Distillery.
JONATHAN LONIE
NON-EXEC DIRECTOR
As Managing Director of Silvermills Estates, Jonathan owns and manages a large portfolio of commercial and residential property in Edinburgh. An early-stage investor in Muckle Brig Ltd, he provides valuable insights on property, financing and hospitality matters.
BRIAN O’NEILL
NON-EXEC DIRECTOR
Young’s Holdings Inc, an investment firm based in San Diego, became a significant minority investor in Muckle Brig in 2023. Brian serves as their Executive Vice President and General Counsel. The firm also owns Infinium Spirits, a distribution company working across the USA.
DREW BAUER
NON-EXEC DIRECTOR
Drew is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Young’s Holdings. He has previously held a series of senior financial roles at ILFC, Guess, Inc, Experian and various positions in investment banking at both Merrill Lynch and PricewaterhouseCoopers.