Diageo chief appointed as chair of the SWA

Published: 23 July, 2008

Diageo's chief executive Paul Walsh has been appointed as chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

Walsh succeeds Pernod Ricard's Richard Burrows, who retires from the SWA after six years on its council.

Ian Curle, chief executive of the Edrington Group, has been appointed as the SWA vice-chairman in succession to Walsh.

"It is an honour to be invited by my industry colleagues to become chairman of the SWA at a time when new opportunities for Scotch whisky are developing worldwide.

"The SWA's continuing priority must be to set a positive agenda in support of all its members, large and small.

"In addition to its invaluable legal work protecting the integrity of Scotch whisky, the SWA has an important role to play in tackling the barriers to trade that unfairly hold us back in our export markets.

"Equally, leadership in the promotion of responsible attitudes to alcohol consumption and environmental sustainability will continue to be key priorities in the coming year."

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