Diageo Reserve Appoints Award-Winning Irish Chef as New Global Food Authority

LONDON,Sept. 26,2018 --

Mark Moriarty is named as the inaugural Diageo Reserve Global Gastronomer

Diageo Reserve,the luxury portfolio of Diageo,has today announced the creation of a new food advocacy role within the business - the Global Gastronomer.

The first of its kind in the industry,the position will become Diageo's global authority on food and gastronomy culture,tasked with forging a more meaningful connection between the wider food occasion and the Reserve spirits portfolio,which includes some of the world's best loved brands like Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky,Zacapa rum,and Malts such as The Singleton,Cardhu and Talisker[1] .

It signals a further commitment from Diageo to food,a relationship which was ignited earlier this year with the announcement of the business' international partnership with IMG's Taste Festivals,fantastic taste experiences around the world for food and drink aficionados,with Diageo spirits at the core.

Stepping up to the plate as the inaugural Global Gastronomer is award-winning Irish Chef and business owner,Mark Moriarty,who shot to prominence in 2015 when he was crowned the San Pellegrino World Young Chef of the Year after impressing judges with his classically-based,simple,yet confident,cooking style.

Mark has since earned an international reputation as a specialist in food storytelling and an expert flavourist through his innovative pop-up cookery concept,which combines the art of fine dining with theatrical entertainment in some of the world's most progressive cities,including Singapore,Moscow,Cape Town and London.

Announcing the new appointment,Cristina Diezhandino,Global Category Director Scotch and Managing Director Reserve,said: "Last year we revealed a new Global Cocktailian role as our bar advocacy and drinks strategies expert; a position which has been a great success in helping us to achieve our vision of making luxury experiences available,accessible and aspirational to everyone.

"We recognise that food and drink culture is changing as more people become fascinated with flavour and how spirits can enhance the food occasion. Our new Global Gastronomer brings this movement to life and heralds the new age of the food and drink occasion,one which sees them working in unison to maximise flavour potential and create incredible taste experiences like the world has never seen before.

"There is no person more suited to pioneer this position in our industry than Mark Moriarty,who,as a culinary explorer,successful business owner and a drinks enthusiast,has a skillset which lends itself perfectly to unlocking the potential of the Global Gastronomer and supporting our wider commercial development and innovation streams."

Speaking on his new role,Mark Moriarty said: "Becoming the first Diageo Reserve Global Gastronomer is a fantastic opportunity. I can't wait to work alongside the Diageo Reserve community and other industry thought-leaders to bring these revolutionary brands to life through food - ultimately creating some incredible taste experience for consumers and encouraging them to see a great cocktail as a way of maximising the culinary moment."

Diageo Reserve focuses on the global luxury opportunity and brings together brands built on strong legacy,craftsmanship and authenticity. Its award-winning portfolio includes Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky,Ciroc vodka,Don Julio tequila,Bulleit bourbon,Tanqueray No. Ten gin,Ketel One vodka,and a fine collection of Single Malts.

Always drink responsibly. DRINKiQ.com.

[1] For the third year running,Diageo Reserve is the best-performing collection of spirit brands in the Drinks International Brands Report,as voted by bartenders from the world's best bars.