SWA names Ian Duddy international director
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has appointed former senior diplomat Ian Duddy as its new international director.
Duddy is said to join the SWA team at a crucial time for the whisky industry.
According to the association, although exports to the US have faced challenges due to tariffs, other markets, such as China and India, present growth opportunities.
In his new role, Duddy will lead the association’s international engagement efforts, focusing on enhancing market access and strengthening global relationships to support the growth of Scotch whisky.
Mark Kent, chief executive of the SWA, commented: “We’re very pleased to welcome Ian to the Scotch Whisky Association at a crucial time for our industry. Ian’s expertise in diplomacy, foreign affairs and trade policy will be invaluable as the Scotch whisky sector navigates an increasingly volatile global environment, with producers also facing additional cost pressures at home.
“Ian brings a strong track record of championing UK interests overseas, and his leadership will strengthen our voice on the global stage as we work to achieve our shared aim of a sustainable and thriving Scotch whisky industry.”
Duddy has more than 25 years of experience in senior government roles, having served in both the Foreign Office and the Scottish government.
Most recently, he served as chief executive of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry.
Duddy has had an extensive career in the Foreign Office, with overseas postings in Argentina, Afghanistan, and at the UK Mission to the UN in Geneva. He also served as the British ambassador to Uruguay from 2016 to 2020 and was the interim ambassador to Chile from 2020 to 2021.
In addition to his diplomatic roles, which included a secondment to the UK Intellectual Property Office, Duddy has supported UK businesses by addressing trade barriers and promoting effective regulation.
His diplomatic efforts have primarily focused on trade policy, negotiations with the EU and the UN, national security, human rights, and the law.
Duddy said: “Scotch whisky is an iconic product, with a heritage that’s loved and respected across the globe. Over the course of my career, I have seen its global reach and the complexities businesses face when navigating international markets.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Scotch Whisky Association as international director.
“I look forward to working with colleagues in the SWA team and with partners, governments and stakeholders around the world to support the industry’s continued growth across more than 160 markets, and to unlocking new opportunities for the future.”
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