New London office for Scotch Whisky Association as management shake-up continues

The Scotch Whisky Association is setting up a new London office to boost its influence with the UK and overseas governments.

The move follows significant change to the top team at the Edinburgh-based association in recent weeks with the appointment of a new chairman, vice-chair and depute chief executive.

European affairs director Nick Soper left in November while the association yesterday confirmed that long-serving international affairs director Campbell Evans was to leave later in 2015 by “mutual agreement.”

The London office will be headed by a yet-to-be recruited global affairs director who will take responsibility for all of international and EU business.

Chief executive David Frost said: “We believe that a permanent London presence will enhance our ability to engage effectively and build relationships both with the UK Government and with other governments and bodies represented there.”

The new office is expected to open shortly after the general election in May.