The Debate, titled “This House believes that family companies think about the long term, publicly-owned companies focus on the now”, will be introduced by Bryan Borrough, master of the worshipful company of distillers, and chaired by Trevor Stirling, liveryman and managing director European beverages, Bernstein.
Speaking for the motion will be Lizzy Rudd, chairman of Berry Bros & Rudd, and Victor Jerez, global business development director, William Grant & Sons.
Opposing the motion will be Colin Gordon, former IDV strategy & business development director, and Tristan van Strien, equities analyst for beverages at Redburn Partners.
Rudd played a fundamental role in the establishment of the family board that sits alongside the executive board at Berry Bros & Rudd and is central in communicating the Rudd and Berry families’ vision for the company to guide the overall strategy.
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“As a 300-year-old business we have always taken a long-term view. We focus on continuity and sustainable growth, looking decades ahead rather than the next one to five years, to hand on an even better business to the next generation.”
Jerez added: “Well-run family companies - less subject to the short-term pressures of the public markets - are in a better position than public companies to focus on the long-term stewardship necessary to build successful spirits brands.”
Around 200 guests consisting of members of the spirits industry, analysts and media are expected to gather for the Distillers’ City Debate and after the vote, there will be an opportunity to continue discussions and taste spirits from both sides at the Distillers’ Bar.
Entry to the Distillers’ City Debate is free of charge by pre-booked ticket (email distillerscitydebate@lbmw.com or call 020 7960 7173). Doors will open at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, King Edward Hall, 2 King Edward Street, London EC1A 1HQ at 6.00pm, and the Distillers’ Bar will have canapés until 9.00pm.
