29 February 2024
Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Jean-Etienne Gourgues assumes Chair of Scotch Whisky Association Council
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Jean-Etienne Gourgues 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.
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 23rd 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."
More information
The Scotch Whisky Association is governed by a Council of 16 members, elected at its Annual General Meeting, led by the Chair. The Council appoints a number of committees to assist and advise it on different aspects of its work - it sets the strategic direction and agrees on the overall policy of the SWA.
Learn more about the SWA Council here.
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 full biography: The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Jean-Etienne Gourgues as the new Chair of the SWA Council on behalf of Chivas Brothers. Jean-Etienne Gourgues is the Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky. With an award-winning portfolio of whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet, Jean-Etienne leads a 1,800 strong team across 26 UK sites focusing on securing the sustainable future of Scotch and opening up the category to new audiences globally. Jean-Etienne is a member of the Pernod Ricard Executive Leadership Team, Chair of the Scotch Whisky Association and Conseiller du Commerce Exterieur de la France.
Jean-Etienne has been part of the Pernod Ricard Group for close to 20 years, working with some of the world’s leading spirits and wine brands, with a particular focus on Scotch Whisky, Cognac and Champagne. Prior to joining Chivas Brothers in 2021, Jean-Etienne held various global leadership roles, including CEO of Pernod Ricard China and CEO of Pernod Ricard Japan.