As part of the original Dirty Dozen that launched Smirnoff Ice in the UK, Richard was able to establish a strong network across the Scottish On Trade while delivering high-profile events such as taking the first-ever nightclub to Glastonbury as part of The Smirnoff Experience.

Working through the ranks of RED BULL Scotland (LIQUIDe) over a 7 year period, Richard progressed from Key Account Manager to form an integral part of the senior team, managing wholesale growth and directing the On Trade Sales Team, delivering £12m + of profitable revenue / annum.

After leaving Red Bull, when the UK business absorbed the Scottish operation, Richard looked for the next big thing and identified BrewDog when they were essentially 2 men, a dog and a dream. As their original Sales Manager, he worked closely with James Watt (CEO) on brand development, events + expanding their distribution network through wholesale, grocery, cash & carry and export markets.

For the last 13 years, Richard has been the Director of Sales & Marketing at Williams Bros Brewing Co. Working alongside Scott Williams (MD) to develop the brand and business across all sales channels. Managing a small dynamic team, he established the brewery as the no3 in cash sales & no2 in volume in the Scottish Craft Beer trade market. In that time the business saw revenues grow from £2.9m to £13m at its peak.

Richard established Huckleberry as a consultancy business when he got the opportunity to set up a new Experiential Craft Brewery as a joint venture with C&C Group/Tennents. He worked closely with Tennents' marketing team and the D8 Creative Design Agency to develop a unique brand. Huckleberry then oversaw the launch and sales strategy of the brewery.

After establishing Drygate Brewing Co. as a major player in the Scottish Craft Beer Market, Williams Bros was approached by Marshall Amps to create a range of Rock N Roll Beers. These beers would be brewed and distributed under license globally. Working closely with the senior team at Marshall, Williams Bros crafted three powerful brews: Amped Up Lager, Full Stack IPA, and Jim’s Treble, all with music lovers in mind. The beers were designed to embody the signature attitude of Marshall Amps. Key markets for the beers are Mexico, China & Japan. The beers were launched at Drygate Brewing Co. with a live performance from The Darkness.

See video from the event