From Yoghurt to Whiskey – David Prior (OH ’87)

The headline act for the event was David Prior (’87) who is the current owner of the 200 year old Bladnoch Distillery in Scotland and the former owner of the organic yoghurt brand five am.

Over 60 members of the Haileybury community from alumni to current and former parents and guests were enthralled at the presentation provided by David.

David spoke of the highs and lows that he has experienced in business, including the period that the five am brand nearly didn’t make it, despite an enormous amount of funds being poured into the factory in Carrum Downs.

He spoke about his time at Haileybury and despite only being at the school in Year 11 and 12, how it shaped him to be the person that he is today. His closest friends today are those that he met within his first few days at Haileybury.

David told the fascinating story of how he came to be the owner of the Bladnoch Distillery and the amount of time and effort required to convince the UK government that he was the person for the job, to own one of Scotland’s most famous assets.

Those in attendance not only had the opportunity to listen to David’s presentation and ask questions but also to meet new people and network with each other in order to further their knowledge of those within the Haileybury community.

The OHA is committed to another Networking Event later this year. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for those in senior management positions in business to attend the CEO Circle event at Haileybury’s City Campus on Thursday 27 July. Further information on both events will be posted shortly.