Invited speakers
caspar macrae
PRESIDENT AND CEO of The GLENMORANGIE GROUP
Whisky has long been a part of Caspar’s family story. Over a century ago, his great-grandfather John MacRae was a prominent whisky merchant in Glasgow. Passed down the generations, that fascination for whisky has led Caspar to his dream job at the helm of Glenmorangie and Ardbeg.
Following his particular passion for single malt, Caspar started his whisky career as a global brand ambassador for The Macallan. So began his mission to enthuse consumers and bartenders about the category he adores. Over the past 20 years, he has continued sharing his love for single malt in a host of different roles worldwide. He has lived in three different countries, travelled to every continent and visited 40 countries, meeting consumers, hosting tastings and helping others discover whisky’s joys.
Caspar has accumulated a wealth of experience in spirits, overseeing Scotch brands, American and Irish whiskies, gin, vodka, rum, tequila and mescal brands. But single malt is where his true expertise lies. He is a Scotch Whisky Research Institute-qualified “nose”. He plays a key role on the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg sensory panel. And he works closely with the Whisky Creation Team to set the innovation agenda and evolve their exceptional ranges.
Over a dram, Caspar has many interesting stories to tell. Before following in his great-grandfather’s footsteps, he served as a British Army officer and could be seen leading the Buckingham Palace Guard, in his black bearskin and red tunic or guarding the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. He also worked as a military officer directly for the Royal Family, accompanying them on duties in the UK and overseas.
More recently, Caspar can often be spotted tasting new-make spirit at Ardbeg’s Islay Distillery, wandering a warehouse at Glenmorangie’s Highland home, or checking in at the Company’s bottling plant in Livingston. A whisky lover through and through.
chris turney
Deputy Principal Research and Impact, Heriot-Watt University
Professor Chris Turney is an internationally acclaimed British-Australian climate and polar scientist, entrepreneur, and research leader who joined Heriot-Watt University in August 2025 as Deputy Principal for Research and Impact. With over 30 years in global higher education – spanning institutions across the UK, Australia and New Zealand – he has authored more than 250 scientific papers and five books, while translating research into real-world impact as co-founder of cleantech graphite company CarbonScape. A passionate advocate for universities as engines of innovation and societal change, Chris combines academic leadership with board-level governance experience at organisations including deeptech incubator Cicada Innovations and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (the EPA). Described by The Saturday Times as “the new David Livingstone”, he is a dedicated science communicator whose work has featured across the BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and The New York Times, and who recently hosted the podcast series “Unf*cking the Future” with Imagine Entertainment.
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