Rita Greenwood set to become chair of Scotch Whisky Association council

By Hamish Graham

Published: 13 January, 2026

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced Rita Greenwood as the new chair of the SWA council. The appointee, who will be in the role for two years, is the first female chair in the SWA’s 114-year history.

Greenwood is the chief investment officer at industry heavyweight William Grant & Sons, having been on the company’s executive board since 2017. She brings to the role over 23 years of experience within the Scotch whisky sector.

William Grant & Sons succeeds Chivas Brothers as chair of the council which contains 16 representatives from leading member companies. The 24th SWA chair enters the role at a time when, as the trade body puts it, “the industry navigates global trade pressures, tariff uncertainty, regulatory change, and the accelerating transition to a more sustainable operating model”.

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Mark Kent, chief executive of the SWA believes Greenwood is a good fit for the leading role.

He commented: “The work of the SWA Council is vitally important to ensure Scotch whisky is best placed to make the most of future opportunities.

“Rita’s experience, passion and deep understanding of the Scotch whisky sector will help to drive forward the important work before us, ensuring the industry reaches 2030 in a position of strength. We very much look forward to working with her.”

Greenwood herself added: “I am proud to take on the role of chair at such an important moment for the Scotch whisky industry. The SWA is vital in representing our collective interests, in championing the sector as we face immediate challenges and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.

“Scotch whisky has a remarkable global reputation and makes a significant economic contribution, but members face a challenging global market at present, so, it is more important than ever that we continue to raise its profile.”

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