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Scotch Whisky Association names new CEO
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has appointed Karen Betts as its new chief executive, taking over from David Frost who stepped down from the role late last year to become a special advisor to Boris Johnson.
Karen Betts joins the SWA as chief executive following a 16-year career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The first female chief executive in the SWA’s 105-year history, Betts joins the organisation following a 16-year career in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), most recently as British Ambassador to Morocco.
During her diplomatic career Betts has held the positions of Counsellor to the British Embassy in Washington, and roles at the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels and the British Embassy in Baghdad.
She has also served in the Cabinet Office and the Joint Intelligence Committee. Prior to joining the FCO, she worked as a lawyer for Clifford Chance in London and Hong Kong, having studied law at the College of Law in Guildford and history at St. Andrews University.
“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 of her new role. “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. I am also delighted to be moving back to Edinburgh with my family.”
Betts takes over as chief executive from David Frost, who stepped down from the role in November 2016, who left the SWA to take up the role of foreign affairs special adviser to UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, having had a career as a diplomat in the FCO prior to joining the SWA in 2014.
Welcoming Betts to the role, SWA chairman, Pierre Pringuet, said: “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.”