Job Title: Head of Engineering
Company: Chivas Brothers
What is your background, and how did you come to be in your present role?
I’ve always loved physics and maths, which led me to study chemical engineering at university. I started my career at International Distillers & Vintners, which later became part of Diageo. My early roles focused on quality and materials in the drinks industry.
After about eight years there—and a brief stint in electronics—I returned to the whisky industry, managing bottling operations for supermarket brands. I joined Chivas Brothers 13 years ago and have held various positions in packaging engineering and NPD. For nearly four years now, I’ve been Head of Engineering in manufacturing, focusing on bottling operations at our flagship site in Dumbarton, just outside Glasgow.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in your career?
Taking on my current role as Head of Engineering was a huge step. While I had a strong technical background, I hadn’t held a pure engineering leadership role before. It was a surprise to some people at the time, and I had to rebuild the team and shift the culture. Getting the team to where it is now—aligned, high-performing, and proud of what we do—has definitely been one of my biggest challenges.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I’m proud of many physical projects—like a major £18m site infrastructure upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow, and refurbishing our offices to better reflect our world-class brand.
But the achievement I’m most proud of is winning the WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) ‘Outstanding Woman in Engineering’ Award, which recognised my work in driving diversity, team culture, and talent development. That’s where I feel I’ve made the biggest impact—helping people thrive and grow.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stay true to yourself. It took me a long time to realise that I didn’t need to change who I was to lead. My background—working class, Scottish-Irish heritage—is a strength, not a barrier. I’ve found that when I lead from a place of authenticity and confidence in who I am, I perform at my best.
How do you think we can raise the profile of careers in STEM?
We need to reach young people early—before they choose their exam subjects. In Scotland, I think that’s around age 13. If they don’t take maths and physics, it’s harder to pursue STEM careers later.
It’s also vital to show the breadth of what STEM offers. Engineering isn’t just “on the tools”—there’s a massive variety of roles. We should highlight both graduate and apprenticeship pathways, and make sure existing employees have opportunities to develop, because not everyone finds their path at 17 or 18.
At Chivas, we bring in school students for work experience and take part in initiatives like Manufacturing Cadets. I also think showing the fun and fulfilment in these careers is key. I genuinely love my job and the team I work with. We need to spotlight that too.
What is your favourite engineered or manufactured product?
I’m going to stay brand loyal here and say Royal Salute—a heritage whisky we produce. Traditionally it came in ceramic flagons, but we’ve transitioned to coated glass that maintains the aesthetic while being more sustainable.
We’ve also modernised the production line with robotics—like a robotic de-palletiser and soon a collaborative robot packer. I love that combination of tradition and cutting-edge technology. It captures the essence of innovation in manufacturing.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
Most people hear my surname—Badesha—and expect someone far more exotic than I appear! I’m actually half Scottish and half Irish. I’m married to a British-born Glaswegian of Indian descent, and we have a family farm in India. It often surprises people when they learn that.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in manufacturing?
Go for it! It’s such a dynamic, rewarding industry with great opportunities for career growth—including cross-functional roles.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking raw materials and creating a finished product. In my case, it’s amazing to see our whiskies on shelves all over the world and know I’ve been a part of that.
Modern manufacturing is also high-tech, clean, and constantly evolving. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and making real things—there’s no better place to be.
