Katherine Smart

Background

About Katherine Smart

In 2021 I was appointed to the role of Global Technical Director and Chief Scientist reporting directly to the Executive Committee. In 2023 my role was expanded and I have current accountabilities for: Brand Innovation, Packaging Sustainability, Scope 1 & 2 Carbon, Water and Environmental Compliance, Margin Enhancement, R&D and Governance policies and standards for H&S, Quality, Regulatory and Audit. My remit includes oversight of Rare, Luxury, Premium & Global Spirits and Global Beer and innovation processes. I joined Diageo PLC in 2019 as Technical Director, International Supply Centre (Global and Premium Spirits) and in 2020 was promoted to the role of Global Technical Director. In 2023 I became affiliate academic at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge having previously held a University Lectureship since 2018 as academic lead for the highly successful Masters in Bioscience Enterprise. My husband and I co-founded The Surrey Copper Distillery Limited in 2017 launching Copperfield Gin, Chimes Vermouth and Sanditon Rum. On joining Diageo I stepped away from the business. Until October 2017 I was VP Chief Brewer for ABInBev reporting to the Executive Board. My role involved the integration of SABMiller and ABInbev manufacturing, R&D and innovation; this was completed 9 months ahead of schedule. Before this I was the Global Chief Brewer for SABMiller, joining in 2012 and reporting directly to the Executive Committee. My global responsibilities included: brewing strategy, malting strategy, operations KPI oversight, innovation, R&D and the technical stewardship of brands. Before joining SABMiller I held University academic appointments at Cambridge, Oxford Brookes and Nottingham. At Nottingham I was Professor and Head of School of Biosciences, holding over £25m grant monies as PI. My research interests included yeast cell biology, fermentation, biorefining and sciences allied to brewing and distilling. My qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, a PhD in Brewing Yeast and Fermentation, a Doctor of Science in Brewing and Distilling, honorary Doctor of Laws, Institute of Brewing and Distilling Diploma in Distilling, WSET Level 2 in Spirits, course completions in Sustainability Leadership (Oxford) and Practice (Cambridge), Corporate Finance (Oxford), UG Certs in History (Oxford) and Creative Writing (Cambridge). I founded the Brewing Science & Bioenergy Centre (Nottingham) and the National Brewing Library (Oxford). I am author of patents, scientific publications and books.