Former ambassador to lead SWA

Civil servant and former ambassador David Frost has been unveiled as the next chief executive the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Frost, who is currently 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 the year.

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.”

In his role in BIS, Frost is the senior official responsible for the UK’s trade policy, working closely with the EU Commission, other major trading countries, and a wide range of commercial and trade bodies.

He previously worked as a diplomat, and was the UK’s ambassador to Denmark.

Hewitt, who joined the SWA in October 2003 and has overseen a time of global growth and increased investment for the Scotch Whisky industry, recently announced his intention to retire at the age of 69.