SWA CEO quits to work with Boris Johnson

The Scotch Whisky Association’s (SWA) chief executive, David Frost, is leaving the organisation to take up a new role as foreign affairs special adviser to the UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson.

David Frost

Frost will leave the SWA on 4 November to rejoin the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), having had a career as a diplomat prior to joining the organisation in 2014, holding senior roles including as British Ambassador to Denmark, and in the then Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chief executive and I want to thank SWA members and my team for their support”, said Frost. “Scotch Whisky is a wonderful industry to represent, vital to Scotland and to Britain, operating on a global scale, and held in affection by so many around the world. I leave the Association and the industry well-placed to continue to succeed in a competitive market-place during a time of change, including Brexit.”

SWA deputy chief executive Julie Hesketh-Laird will be acting CEO for the interim period before the appointment of a new CEO. Hesketh-Laird joined the SWA in 2005 as director of operational and technical affairs and was appointed deputy chief executive in December 2014.

“David has successfully modernised the Association during a challenging time for the industry both economically and politically. We have very much valued his leadership and I am confident he leaves the SWA in a good position to face the future”, said SWA chair Pierre Pringuet, vice-president of Pernod Ricard.