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Mark Harvey is the managing director of Fielden Whisky of England. Fielden has recently been rebranded to put more emphasis on the heart of its whisky – ancient grains grown on chemical-free land, planted with an under-storey of white clover. Everything starts from this point of regenerative farming and the grain is grown across England, from Cornwall to Norfolk. But as Mark says in the podcast, if the whisky didn't taste good the methods would only be interesting and worthy. Mark assures listeners it's delicious!
Mark's career story started out at L'Oreal, then he moved to luxury brand Cartier, famous for high-end watches, jewellery, perfume and accessories. It wasn't such a big leap from there to the LVMH Group, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, an international luxury maker of wines & spirits, fashion & leather goods, fragrance & cosmetics, watches & jewellery. And that's where Mark grew his experience and knowledge.
After a number of years Mark could see that his job would be repeated across different territories and brands within the group. A discussion with a board member of English wine producer Chapel Down led him to a new opportunity as its managing director, and Mark found himself leaving corporate life.
Working for a smaller organisation, which has its own challenges, has allowed Mark to see the impact a company can have on the environment. Chapel Down expanded and thrived, and after seven years Mark, looking for new pastures for his knowledge and skills, joined Fielden whisky, at the time still branded under its parent company, The Oxford Artisan Distillery.
It's not hard to see how sustainable a product like Fielden is, but Mark also still has an interest in luxury goods, particularly those made in the UK. He explains why despite these being 'nice to haves' rather than 'must-haves' these UK companies have a role to play in making greener choices that are better for the planet. As a board member of Walpole, the body for over 200 UK luxury brands, Mark sees the efforts that members are going to as they develop sustainable practices and mentions one in particular that offers a repair service*.
Listen in for more tips about finding a career with a small producer v working for a corporate organisation and the best piece of career advice Mark ever received.
Fielden
Cartier
LVMH
Chapel Down
Walpole
Circulo
*In the podcast Mark mentions a company that repairs and revitalises luxury goods, but it is longer operational so we have linked to its founders' new business Circulo, which has a similar mission to make repair accessible and universal.
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