SWA welcomes new Industry Director

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Ruth Piggin as Director of Industry.

Ruth, who most recently has been Head of Public Affairs for Water UK, will be based in the SWA’s London office and lead the SWA's work on manufacturing and sustainability issues central to the industry’s success, including the industry’s ambitious commitment to reach net zero by 2040 and increase diversity across the Scotch Whisky workforce.

The Scotch Whisky industry is the UK's largest food and drink export, with exports valued at £3.8bn in 2020 and employs over 11,000 people directly in Scotland and 42,000 across the UK supply chain.

Ruth Piggin said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have joined the SWA. Watching the industry showcase its strong sustainability credentials during COP26 in Glasgow has given me added motivation to help the industry reach its net zero target and ensure a sustainable future for Scotch Whisky.

New SWA Industry Director Ruth Piggin

I am also looking forward to highlighting the various career pathways open to people from different backgrounds, from coopering to marketing, and encouraging a wider range of people to work for the industry in Scotland and around the world.”

Welcoming the appointment, SWA Chief Executive Karen Betts said: "I’m delighted that Ruth is joining the SWA.  She has a depth of both scientific and trade body experience, and a proven track record of success in her impressive career to date.  She arrives at a pivotal time for our sector, as we enter the next, decisive decade in tackling global warming, but also as the sector recovers its global growth while dealing with significant supply and distribution disruptions.

“I am very much looking forward to Ruth’s voice strengthening industry collaboration and action as we grasp future opportunities and face future challenges .”

Ruth will join the SWA’s leadership team. Peter Clark, who has been acting Industry Director since February 2021, will continue in his role as Deputy Director.

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