This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
New CEO of the SWA officially steps into role
Former civil servant David Frost has officially taken over from Gavin Hewitt as the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) today.
David Frost has officially stepped into the role of CEO of the SWA today
It was announced in September that Hewitt would be stepping down as CEO of the industry body after 10 years in the role.
His successor, Frost, was formerly director for director for Europe, trade and international affairs at the UK Government’s Department of Business, Innovation, and Skills.
Frost was also previously HM Ambassador to Denmark and director for strategy and the EU at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He said of his new position: “My career to date working in economic, trade, and EU affairs in the UK and overseas has given me a wealth of experience of global communication issues which will stand me in good stead in my new role in the Scotch whisky industry.”
“I am excited about taking up this new position at the helm of this highly-respected trade body which provides an invaluable service to the industry.”
The SWA has also announced a series of internal changes which come into effect today, including the appointment of Campbell Evans as director of international affairs. He replaces Pete Wilkinson who retires after 22 years with the industry body.
David Williamson, the SWA’s former deputy director of international affairs, has also been promoted to government and communications director.
Looking back on his career at the SWA, outgoing CEO Hewitt said he believes the association “now thinks more commercially in how it seeks to help our member companies” and that a particular “highlight” was the introduction of the Scotch Whisky Regulations in 2009.
Of these regulations, Hewitt said: “They were transformational, but they took six years hard work with governments north and south of the border.”
He added: “It has been a great ten years. I don’t plan to disappear. But I want to say thank you to the SWA staff and everyone in the industry with whom I have worked. It has been an enormous privilege.
It was revealed last month that the SWA would be joining the WSTA in a new campaign calling for the UK’s alcohol duty escalator to be abolished.