12 January 2026
Rita Greenwood of William Grant & Sons assumes Chair of the Scotch Whisky Association Council
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced the appointment of Rita Greenwood, Chief Investment Officer at William Grant & Sons, as the new Chair of the SWA Council.
The Chair, appointed for a two-year term, leads the Association’s Council of 16 representatives from member companies, which plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction and policy priorities of the Scotch whisky industry.
Rita has been a member of the William Grant & Sons Executive Board since 2017, with 23 years’ experience within the Scotch whisky industry.
William Grant & Sons succeeds Chivas Brothers as Chair of the SWA Council. Rita becomes the 24th Chair, and first female Chair in the Association’s 114-year history.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Scotch whisky sector, as the industry navigates global trade pressures, tariff uncertainty, regulatory change, and the accelerating transition to a more sustainable operating model.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the SWA, welcomed the appointment, saying: “Rita’s expertise in commercial excellence and strategy will be crucial as we navigate a challenging period for the Scotch whisky industry.
“Scotch whisky is being significantly impacted by multiple headwinds both here at home and in our global markets, but the industry is focused on overcoming these challenges and delivering long-term sustainable growth.
“The work of the SWA Council is vitally important to ensure Scotch whisky is best placed to make the most of future opportunities. Rita’s experience, passion, and deep understanding of the Scotch whisky sector will help to drive forward the important work before us, ensuring the industry reaches 2030 in a position of strength. We very much look forward to working with her.”
SWA Chief Executive, Mark Kent
SWA Council Chair, Rita Greenwood
Rita Greenwood said: “I am proud to take on the role of Chair at such an important moment for the Scotch whisky industry. The SWA is vital in representing our collective interests, in championing the sector as we face immediate challenges and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.
“Scotch whisky has a remarkable global reputation and makes a significant economic contribution, but members face a challenging global market at present, so, it is more important than ever that we continue to raise its profile.
“I am committed to ensuring a sustainable future for Scotch whisky and am looking forward to working with Council colleagues and the SWA team to help ensure the industry continues to thrive in the years ahead.”
--ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact pressoffice@swa.org.uk
A headshot of Rita Greenwood can be found here.
The Scotch Whisky Association is governed by a Council of 16 members, 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.
The Scotch Whisky Association represents the interests and priorities of the Scotch whisky industry. As of 2026 it has more than 90 member companies from across the sector, from global spirits producers to family-owned firms, established to new distillers, who collectively account for the majority of Scotch whisky production.
Rita Greenwood full biography:
Rita Greenwood’s career in the drinks industry spans over 23 years after having begun in the food industry working for Nestlé. She is currently the Chief Investment Officer for William Grant & Sons and has been a member of the Executive Board since 2017 in roles of Supervisory Board Business Counsel and President, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Rita has held a number of Managing Director roles including William Grant & Sons’ UK distribution business; developed European Markets and Global Travel Retail. Rita is a Master of the Quaich, a Corporate Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Distillers and a former Board Trustee of The Drinks Trust charity.