FDBusiness.com

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Jean-Etienne Gourgues (pictured) as the new Chair of the SWA Council on behalf of Chivas Brothers. The Chair of the SWA, whose appointment runs on a two-year rotational basis, heads the association’s Council which is comprised of 16 representatives from SWA member companies. The SWA Council meets four times a year to support and advise on the Scotch Whisky industry’s strategic priorities on behalf of its members.

The Scotch Whisky Association represents the interests and priorities of the Scotch Whisky industry. As of 2024 it has more than 90 member companies, comprised of distillers, blenders and bottlers.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues was appointed Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO in July 2021. Chivas Brothers succeeds Diageo as Council Chair, and Jean-Etienne becomes the Association’s 23^rd Chair in its 112 year history.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, greeted the appointment, saying: “We are pleased to welcome Jean-Etienne as Council Chair during a crucial time for the Scotch Whisky industry.

“The sustainability of our sector – whether that’s working to meet net zero ambitions, ensuring the long-term market share of Scotch in global markets, or building skills in our current and upcoming workforce – is of huge importance for Scotch Whisky producers of all sizes. Jean-Etienne’s guidance and focus in this key area will be of great value to our sector as we navigate the coming years, and the SWA and its Council look forward to working with him and the wider industry to drive those priorities.”

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, added: “The Scotch Whisky Association has been instrumental in transforming Scotch into a global success. Now more than ever, it’s vital that we work together as an industry to meet common challenges, recognising that we can achieve more through collaboration than we can by standing alone. I look forward to working with my fellow Council members to secure a bright future for Scotch, taking forward all we’ve learned the past 200 years to pave a sustainable, responsible path ahead.”