Name: Declan Hassett
Job title: Licensing manager
Company: Diageo
What was your first job? My first job was working with my aunt at her pub in a town in Northern Ireland called Magherafelt. It’s a small town – I really enjoyed chatting with the locals and learning the ropes – working behind a bar is a great learning for life.
What’s been your worst job interview? I once turned up to a job interview a week early when I first moved to London. I was trying to show how organised I was… and then realised I’d got the date completely wrong.
The interviewer said “what are you doing here?” and I said, “I’m here for the interview”. They replied: “That’s not for another week!”
What was the first music single you bought? Not a single, but an album, Power in the Darkness by the Tom Robinson Band. I’ve always loved music. A real standout moment was seeing Bob Marley and the Wailers at 14, it was the only concert he ever played in Ireland and I believe his last outdoor show.
“When great ideas hit restrictions or get tied up in lots of back-and-forth, it can slow things down”
How do you describe your job to your friends? I usually say I strategically extend Diageo’s brands into different food categories. My friends just say “so, you put booze into food”.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I’d have to say seeing something you’ve taken from concept to shelf and then watching a shopper pick it up and put it in their basket. I once saw someone buy two products I’d worked on, it was a great moment – even if people look at you a bit funny when you say “I invented that”.
What is the least rewarding part? Probably when great ideas hit restrictions or get tied up in lots of back-and-forth, it can slow things down – that said, it’s all part of the process and good things are often worth the wait. In licensing, a concept can also evolve and improve over time.
What is your motto in life? Live life to the full.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? An allowance to dine out wherever you like, as often as you like.
Do you have any phobias? Business jargon.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I’d improve the self-checkout experience and make it smoother and more seamless. There’s still too much friction with scales, weighing and needing assistance.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A guitar. I’m not a great player, but I’d finally have the time to get good without anyone having to listen to me.
What animal most reflects your personality? A dog. Loyal, friendly and happy to give unconditional love.
What’s your favourite film and why? The Godfather II, probably because I’ve watched it the most. And if I can add TV, The Wire is up there. I rewatched it recently and it was even better the second time.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? In work – buying 20 tonnes of frozen blueberries in German only to find out later I had bought 20 tonnes of bilberries.
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I once met Levi Roots, who’s a big Guinness fan and I always thought a Guinness x Levi Roots partnership would be brilliant. But to my previous mention of Bob Marley, I was only interested in talking to him about how he used to play five-a-side football with Bob Marley… Reggae, Guinness and Caribbean food: what a combination.
What would your death row meal be? My mum’s scotch eggs. I think we’re always chasing nostalgic food from childhood and for me it’s that memory of eating them at a picnic, by the sea, in the sunshine.
No comments yet