Jan Hodel-Keane academic background includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering focused on distillation modelling in gin distillation and a Master’s in Brewing and Distilling.  His original background is mechanical engineering, flowed by working as a Product Quality Engineer with Corning in the Environmental Technology division being on the New Product Development team for Gasoline Particulate Filters.  Jan is also an active member of the Chartered Institute of Brewing & Distilling, where he contributes as the Chairperson of the Irish section and as a board examiner. 

Working for Pilz Global Distillery Automation as a Product Development Lead, Jan has designed advanced manufacturing solutions that drive efficiency and enhance spirit quality, with a strong focus on cask maturation. His role involves managing technical requirements, overseeing complex supply chains, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Previously, as R&D Manager at West Cork Distillers, Jan optimized production through yield improvements, fermentation enhancements, and innovations in cask management, reducing process variability and boosting operational efficiency. 

I began my brewing career by volunteering and eventually occasionally working for Trouble Brewing a fantastic Irish craft brewery. 

I continue to work in the brewing & distilling industry which I’ve now been apart of for 9+ years.

In my career so far, I’ve worked in production, quality, NPD & technical support roles with a focus on process optimisation.

I’ve had the privilege to work across the world on some very exciting process improvement projects & I never miss an opportunity to visit a brewery or distillery no matter how small or large!