Greg Hughes inducted as Keeper of the Quaich at 70th Banquet Celebration
Greg Hughes inducted as Keeper of the Quaich at 70th Banquet Celebration
07 October 2025 - Suntory Global Spirits, a world leader in premium spirits, has announced a new inductee to the prestigious Keepers of the Quaich, an internationally recognised honour bestowed on those deemed to have made a significant contribution to the Scotch whisky industry.
Greg Hughes, President and CEO of Suntory Global Spirits, was inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich at the Autumn 2025 Banquet on 6th October in recognition of his contribution and influential role within the Scotch whisky industry.
Hughes’ induction marks a decade at Suntory Global Spirits, initially joining as General Manager of the U.S. market before moving into different roles within the business and being appointed President and CEO in October 2023. He is responsible for leading the executive team and organisation, driving global growth, brand development and the continued heritage preservation of iconic brands such as Bowmore, Laphroaig and Teachers, globally.
Greg Hughes said: “It is an honor to be named a Keeper of the Quaich, and to hold one of the most prestigious titles in the Scotch whisky industry. It’s the perfect way to mark ten years at Suntory Global Spirits and reflects the pride and passion I have in the heritage and craftsmanship in each of our brands, particularly those which make up our iconic Scotch portfolio.”
Chris Richardson, Managing Director, Scotch & Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, and himself a Keeper of the Quaich since 2023, commented: “At Suntory Global Spirits, we pride ourselves on upholding the values of the Scotch industry and bringing its extraordinary craftsmanship to consumers around the world. This is consistent with the overall purpose and intent of Keepers of the Quaich, so I’m delighted to see such a well-deserved recognition for Greg as our CEO.
Greg’s nomination reflects his passion and presence within the organisation and the wider industry over the past 10 years. I know Greg will be honoured to receive this recognition.”
About Keepers of the Quaich
Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive international society which recognises, rewards, and celebrates those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry, by working in, writing, or evangelising about it.
The Edinburgh-based Society receives applications for new members from all over the world to be inducted at a special ceremony twice a year at Blair Castle in Pitlochry. The Society has ten chapters around the world, in locations including Australia and Brazil, and there are currently 3,190 Keepers altogether.
https://www.keepersofthequaich.co.uk
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
