Who we are : The Whisky Exchange Trade

Who We Are

The Whisky Exchange Trade is a wholesaler powered by our passion for the drinks industry and inspired by the people who work in it. Formerly known as Speciality Drinks, we are staffed by a dedicated team who have all worked in hands-on roles in hospitality and spirits.

Our People

The Whisky Exchange Trade team counts on decades of hands-on experience in the drinks industry, with a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the on-trade. Across every department, from account management to our buying, marketing and sales teams, every team member has been part of the hospitality industry, from bar managers to brand ambassadors, trade educators and more, and our team members build on this experience with accredited training and education initiatives.

Our Values

We want hospitality to be a more enjoyable, more valuable and more authentic experience for everyone involved in it. Fuelled by our unwavering passion for the drinks industry, we’re dedicated to raising the bar for our suppliers and venues through creativity, integrity and knowledge.

MEET OUR TEAM

Dawn Davies

Commercial Director

Dawn is the commercial director for The Whisky Exchange, overseeing our expert trade team and award-winning range. With three decades in the industry, Dawn’s passion for the best in wine and spirits knows no bounds. Dawn and team develop annual sellout shows in champagne, whisky, rum and cognac where she curates masterclasses and exceptional experiences for the trade. She helps judge awards all around the world and was recently a head judge for the IWSC.

DARREN FLANAGAN

London Sales Manager

Darren joined us from a spirits specialist and bartending background, including a stint in the legendary Dandelyan. He has MsC in Brewing & Distilling and a keen interest in sharing our new and niche liquids. Darren leads London channel and can be relied upon to rally the troops to champion new London openings, raising a toast to our customers and their teams with each opportunity.

JAMES CHILDS

Regional Sales Manager

With a background in hospitality and well-known figure in the bars of East London, James oversees the Regional channel developing our business outside London. With a soft spot for all dark spirits, James is likely to be seen in the region’s best bars with a Daiquiri in hand.

JAMES CRINSON

Senior Account Manager, South London

James came from a cocktail-bar background and then moved on to working with great independent distilleries, including a stint in New Zealand and Australia. James looks after some of our large group accounts and hotels, you may find him enjoying a Mezcal Tommy's, talking about his other great love: food.

RICHARD PATRULEI

Account Manager, East London

Richard has worked in award-winning cocktail venues, Michelin-starred hotel restaurants and renowned whisky bars. With a hands-on approach and plenty of spirits expertise, he builds strong partnerships and offers his clients hands-on solutions that drive growth and enhance their clients' experiences, and sharing his love of dark spirits.

VLADIMIR GONZALEZ

Account Manager, Central & North London

Originally from Mexico and after six years working in wine in London, Vlad joined The Whisky Exchange Trade in January 2024. He has been rediscovering the city, mainly at his accounts in Central and North London, and indulging his palate with a vast range of spirits from all over the world – especially agave.

Tlangi Mahange

Account Manager - West & Central London

Tlangi comes from a small brand and wine background but discovered a love for the London bar and restaurant scene along the way. She looks after Central and West London accounts, connecting incredible spaces with amazing producers and pours. Her personal love of Jamaican rums has unlocked a world of funk, although nothing can replace a crisp and cold Vesper Martini.

Phoebe Wyburd

Regional Account Manager

Phoebe began her career in hospitality at 18, inspired by her family's deep roots in the industry. After opening and managing bars with a people-led approach, she moved into brand representation, building trusted client relationships through her agave spirits expertise. She is rarely far from a bar – or a well-made vodka martini.

Finn Kew

Account Manager - National Hotels & Luxury Retail

Finn comes from a fine wine background and brings a passion for drinks history to the luxury retail and hotel sector. He uses this knowledge to bring the fascinating story of every bottle to life for his customers. Finn can be found looking after central London accounts with a unicorn dram or glass of sherry in hand.

ADRIANA MORRIS-PEREZ

Marketing & Creative Director

Adriana has worked with global iconic spirit brands and small challenger brands, and joined us in 2022 to build the marketing department and to enhance our customer experience. She’s a self-proclaimed taco expert and you’ll find her somewhere in Central London searching for the best Margaritas in town.

RORY BARTRAM

Brand & Trade Marketing Executive

Rory comes from a hospitality and events background, leading him to PR and marketing at The Whisky Exchange Trade. He has a love for a well-crafted Penicillin or a classic Martini and, as a fan of good music played on a great system, believes the best drinks should always be enjoyed alongside the right soundtrack.

JOIN OUR TEAM