Scotch Whisky Association chief executive David Frost is to leave his post to become a special adviser to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
He will join the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) next week to take up a role which is believed will focus on international trade.
Mr Frost, who has led the SWA for almost three years, was a career diplomat and held various senior roles in the FCO, including British Ambassador to Denmark.
He was also at the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, as director for Europe, trade, and international affairs.
In that role he was responsible for external trade policy, EU issues, and the UK’s export controls regime.
Earlier this month he called on the UK Government to give high priority to Scotch exports in post-Brexit trade deals.
Scotch Whisky accounts for around a quarter of UK food and drink exports, and generates £3.95 billion for the UK balance of trade.
He said departure from the European single market brought uncertainty but also opportunities as long as the UK can secure favourable bilateral trade deals with key export markets.
The SWA identified countries where ambitious free trade agreements could deliver significant benefits.
Mr Frost, who replaced Gavin Hewitt at the SWA, said: “Scotch Whisky is a wonderful industry to represent, vital to Scotland and to Britain, operating on a global scale, and held in affection by so many around the world.
“I leave the association and the industry well-placed to continue to succeed in a competitive market-place during a time of change, including Brexit.”
SWA chair Pierre Pringuet said: “David has successfully modernised the association during a challenging time for the industry both economically and politically.
“We have very much valued his leadership and I am confident he leaves the SWA in a good position.”
SWA acting chief executive Julie Hesketh-Laird said: “We are sorry to see David leaving the SWA, but wish him well in his exciting future role.”
