Whisky association appoints first woman chief executive
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has appointed its first female chief executive – only the eighth head of the SWA in its 105 year history.
Karen Betts joins the SWA following a 16-year career in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, most recently as British ambassador to Morocco.
She takes over as chief executive from David Frost, who stepped down from the role in November 2016, having joined the association in early 2014.
Betts said: “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.
“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.”