Karen Betts, the first woman to lead the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), is leaving the industry body after four years in the post to take on a new role as head of the Food and Drink Federation. The organisation has begun the process of appointing a new chief executive.
SWA chairman Scott McCroskie said that Karen Betts had successfully steered the industry through “a turbulent period”, including the UK’s departure from the EU and transatlantic trade wars.
He said, “She has steered the industry successfully through a turbulent period, critically while punitive tariffs were imposed on Scotch whisky by the United States, through the UK’s departure from the EU, and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Her leadership has helped the industry emerge in a strong and forward-looking position.”
A lawyer by background, Karen Betts previously worked in the Foreign Office and diplomatic service, latterly as ambassador to Morocco. Her career included roles in the Cabinet Office and the Joint Intelligence Organisation and she remains an adviser to the UK government’s Board of Trade and chairwoman of the CBI’s International Trade and Investment Council.
She is also a member of the Scottish government’s Trade Board.
