Hewitt joined the SWA in October 2003 and is widely considered to have had a key role in the global success of the Scotch whisky industry in recent years.
He said: “The industry has expanded to meet surging global demand, with exports almost doubling in the last ten years and unprecedented levels of new investment.
"Scotch whisky is vital to the UK and Scottish economies. David Frost’s experience of working closely on economic affairs in the UK and overseas fits him well for the role of SWA chief executive.”
In his government role at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, Frost is responsible for the UK’s trade policy, working closely with the EU Commission, other major trading countries and a wide range of commercial and trade bodies.
As a diplomat Frost has been HM Ambassador to Denmark (2006 to 2008) and a director for both Strategy and the EU in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Frost said: “My career to date working in economic, trade, and EU affairs in the UK and overseas has given me a wealth of experience of global commercial issues which will stand me in good stead in my new role in the Scotch Whisky industry.
“I am excited about taking up this new position at the helm of this highly-respected trade body which provides an invaluable service to the industry. I am also very much looking forward to living and working in Edinburgh.”
