SWA appoints Rita Greenwood as council Chair

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has appointed Rita Greenwood, Chief Investment Officer at William Grant & Sons, as chair of the SWA Council for a two-year term. Rita becomes the 24th chair of the association and the first woman to hold the position in the SWA’s 114-year-old history.

Rita has been a member of the William Grant & Sons executive board since 2017 and brings 23 years of experience in the Scotch whisky industry to the role.

SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said Greenwood’s expertise in commercial excellence and strategy would be critical at a time when the Scotch whisky sector is facing multiple domestic and global challenges. He noted that the work of the SWA Council is central to ensuring the industry is well positioned to address current pressures while pursuing long-term, sustainable growth towards 2030.

Rita said she was proud to take on the role at a pivotal moment for the industry, highlighting the importance of the SWA in representing members’ collective interests. She added that while Scotch whisky enjoys a strong global reputation and makes a significant economic contribution, the current market environment remains challenging, making it essential to continue strengthening the sector’s profile and unlocking future growth opportunities.