Honorary DegreesMaureen Robinson
Meet Maureen
Maureen Robinson worked in the whisky industry for 45 years until her retirement in 2022. During her career, she rose to the post of Master Blender - one of the first women in the industry to hold this title - and one of the most important roles in whisky production. She held this post for more than 30 years.
Career
Maureen studied Pharmacy with us here at the University of Strathclyde before beginning her career in 1977 at the Distillers Company’s Glenochil Research Station in Clackmannanshire. The company later became part of Diageo, where Maureen remained throughout her career. She proved to have an exceptional sense of smell and this gave her a particular advantage in the industry, along with a language she devised to describe what she smelt when nosing a whisky.
Master Blender
Maureen was appointed Master Blender in 1986 and worked in the development of new products in both single malt and blended Scotch whiskies. Her work focused on many of Diageo’s leading brands including The Singleton, Johnnie Walker, Buchanan’s, and Old Parr. She also played a role in some of the company’s most distinctive products, including its Special Releases, Casks of Distinction, and Primo & Ultima series.
Inspiring women
Maureen Robinson entered the whisky sector at a time when it was still largely a male industry but her skill and knowledge brought her to the peak of her profession and other women have followed her path, including seven of Diageo’s 12 current board members and seven of its 15 executive committee members.
Watch
Watch Maureen receive her Honorary Degree, and hear what she had to say to our graduands at their graduation ceremony.
We caught up with Maureen ahead of receiving her Honorary Degree.
Congratulations! How do you feel about receiving your honorary degree today?
I feel honoured and privileged to receive this degree. I never dreamed I'd be a Doctorate.
Why did you decide to study pharmacy?
I can't really remember why because it's almost fifty years ago. I did know I always wanted to be in the sciences. I'm one of those people who likes to figure things out and try and resolve things. Science would always do that for me.
What did you like about it?
Learning to mix the different drugs and the science behind that. One thing I did find a bit daunting was actually the physiology side of the course. As I said previously, I like to make things happen and resolve things. I've got a mathematical brain, to a certain extent. I like to get my teeth into something, I don't just like to learn.
How did feel/ what was it like entering and working your way up through a predominantly male industry?
I found it okay. I've been the first female master blender. I believe Diageo, my peers, and other parts of the industry accepted me for my ability rather than my gender. They were very encouraging in everything I did.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned throughout your career?
You have to strive to get what you want. It's not given to you on a plate. You should enjoy what you're doing and have a passion for it. If you feel it's not for you, take that leap into another career. I did and it didn't do me any harm!
What’s been your favourite part of your career?
Innovating. Creating and developing Scotch whiskies, and seeing them on the shelf gives you such a sense of achievement and pride. Especially if you manage to get your name on the signature of the bottle.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy golfing, reading, and travelling.
What advice do you have for our graduates today?
You are graduating with your preferred degree, but if you feel you're not actually achieving what you thought you were going to do, make that leap and change your career!
