IWA director joins World Spirits Alliance board
The director of the Irish Whiskey Association, Eoin Ó Catháin, has joined the board of the World Spirits Alliance (WSA).
Ó Catháin was appointed as the director of the Irish Whiskey Association in 2023.
He will be representing the voices of smaller trade associations in his new role with the WSA, bringing experience in whiskey tourism and international trade.
“It is an honour to join the board of the World Spirits Alliance,” he said. “Ninety-five per cent of Irish whiskey distil is exported, and navigating the complexities of global trade and policy, from tariffs to expansion in emerging markets to protecting our geographic indication (GI), has been central to the IWA’s work.
“While a board member of WSA, I will continue to ensure that the specific needs of Irish whiskey and similar historical spirits categories worldwide have a direct voice in the global policy decisions that shape our trading environment, helping our producers continue to thrive domestically and overseas. Táim ag tnúth go mór leis an obair atá romhainn [I am really looking forward to the work ahead of us].”
Ó Catháin officially started in the role last week. His role with the IWA will remain unchanged
During his leadership of the IWA, he has promoted Irish whiskey in emerging markets such as Asia and Mexico, as challenges remain in its biggest export market the US, where exports fell by 5% in 2025.
In June, the IWA submitted its proposed changes ahead of the public consultation to review the rules that govern Irish whiskey.
The IWA works within Drinks Ireland to promote, protect and represent the Irish whiskey category globally.
Director of Drinks Ireland at Ibec Cormac Healy called Ó Catháin’s appointment “a significant endorsement of the Irish Whiskey Association’s work and the global standing of Ireland’s spirits sector”.
He said: “Having a dedicated voice at the top table of global spirits advocacy ensures we can proactively shape the international environment on crucial issues like trade, excise and responsible consumption. We look forward to seeing Eoin drive impactful results for both the domestic industry and his international peers.”
The WSA acts as the spirits industry’s ‘global voice’ and is based in Geneva. Established in 2019, the organisation brings together multinational companies and regional trade associations to represent the sector’s views and interests in global policy discussions.
On welcoming Ó Catháin to the WSA board, WSA CEO Helina Medina said: “Trade associations play such an important role in our industry and Eoin’s experience representing Irish whiskey on the global stage will ensure that the unique perspectives and needs of categories like Irish whiskey are front and centre as we continue to navigate complex global discussions around trade, fair taxation and our role in reducing the harmful consumption of alcohol.”
Earlier this year, The Spirits Business interviewed Medina, the WSA’s first CEO, about leading the organisation and global challenges.
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