SWRI names William Grant exec as new chair
The Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) has appointed William Grant & Sons distilleries director, Stuart Watts, as its new chair for the next two years.
The SWRI is a member-owned organisation located in Edinburgh, dedicated to providing innovation and scientific support to the Scotch whisky industry since 1974.
Watts has a long-standing association with the institute, dating back to 2000, when he completed his PhD.
For the past two years, he has served as vice chair on the institute’s board. He is now taking over the role of chair from Greig Stables of Glen Grant.
As chair, Watts is committed to ensuring the institute meets its members’ needs. He will lead the board, which comprises representatives from the industry’s most prominent businesses.
Described as ‘a centre of scientific excellence’,’ SWRI is the research and technology organisation for the industry, funded by Scotch whisky companies to conduct the necessary research to tackle current challenges.
The institute currently has 17 members, including Chivas Brothers, CVH Spirits, Diageo, and William Grant & Sons.
The SWRI team of scientists collaborates closely with members to plan, execute, communicate, and apply their research. Much of this work takes place in purpose-built laboratories equipped with specialised tools, as well as in distilleries and other production sites. Additionally, SWRI collaborates with a broad range of other companies and organisations.
In December 2025, John Dewar & Sons announced that it is exploring whether advanced robotics could help identify small but potentially costly ethanol leaks in ageing warehouses. The project is supported by the SWRI.
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