Mr Duddy brings over 25 years of experience in senior government roles, including the Foreign Office and Scottish Government. Most recently, Mr Duddy was chief executive to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry.

In his new position, he will lead the association’s international engagement, supporting the global growth of Scotch by improving market access and strengthening relationships around the world.

With an extensive career in the Foreign Office, Mr Duddy has worked overseas with postings to Argentina, Afghanistan and the UK Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. He was UK Ambassador to Uruguay from 2016 to 2020 and Interim Ambassador to Chile from 2020 to 2021. During his career, which included a secondment to the UK Intellectual Property Office, Mr Duddy has supported UK businesses by tackling barriers to trade and promoting effective regulation. His diplomatic work centred on trade policy, EU and UN negotiations, national security, human rights and the rule of law.

Mr Duddy said: “Scotch Whisky is an iconic product, with a heritage that’s loved and respected across the globe. Over the course of my career, I have seen its global reach, and the complexities businesses face when navigating international markets.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Scotch Whisky Association as International Director. I look forward to working with colleagues in the SWA team and with partners, governments and stakeholders around the world to support the industry’s continued growth across more than 160 markets, and to unlocking new opportunities for the future.”

Mr Duddy joins the SWA team at a pivotal time for the industry. While exports to the United States have been negatively impacted by tariffs, other markets, including China and India, offer the potential for growth.

SWA chief executive Mark Kent said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Ian to the Scotch Whisky Association at a crucial time for our industry.

“Ian’s expertise in diplomacy, foreign affairs and trade policy will be invaluable as the Scotch Whisky sector navigates an increasingly volatile global environment, with producers also facing additional cost pressures at home.

“Ian brings a strong track record of championing UK interests overseas, and his leadership will strengthen our voice on the global stage as we work to achieve our shared aim of a sustainable and thriving Scotch Whisky industry.”