Karen Betts has been made the eighth chief executive of the UK’s Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), succeeding David Frost.
Moving from the position of British ambassador to Morocco, Betts spent 16 years working in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. She is the first female to hold the SWA position.
She has also acted as the counsellor to the British Embassy in Washington, and occupied roles at the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, as well as within the British Embassy in Baghdad.
Her tenure at the SWA comes during a crucial period, as it attempts to navigate the uncertain and complicated terrain of trading outside the European single market.
"I am thrilled to have been appointed as CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association to represent one of Scotland's most important industries, at home and overseas,” said Betts. “It's an exciting and challenging time for the Scotch Whisky industry, and I am looking forward immensely to helping ensure its success into the future.”
SWA chairman, Pierre Pringuet, commented, “We are delighted that Karen will be joining us and bringing fresh leadership to a talented SWA team as it continues to represent its members' interests effectively around the world. Her wide international experience will be particularly valuable as we work with government to grow the Scotch Whisky industry globally and make a success of the UK's exit from the EU."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Peter Donnelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
