Scotch Whisky Association appoints new chief

By Emily Kearns, Lucy Britner

Published: 23 September, 2013

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has appointed a new chief executive.

David Frost CMG, director for Europe, trade and international affairs at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will take over from Gavin Hewitt when he steps down as planned at the end of 2013.

In his role in BIS, the UK government department focusing on economic growth and trade policy, Frost has been the senior official responsible for the UK's trade policy, working with the EU Commission, other major trading countries, and a range of commercial and trade bodies. He is a diplomat by profession, and has been HM Ambassador to Denmark (2006 to 2008) and a director for both strategy and the EU in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Frost said: "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 commercial 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. I am also very much looking forward to living and working in Edinburgh."

Gavin Hewitt, who joined the SWA in 2003, added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years as chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association. The industry has expanded to meet surging global demand, with exports almost doubling in the past 10 years and unprecedented levels of new investment. Scotch whisky is vital to the UK and Scottish economies. David Frost's experience of working closely on economic affairs in the UK and overseas fits him well for the role of SWA chief executive."

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