Scotch Whisky Association hires EU expert Droogsma

Dagmar Droogsma

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said it appointed EU expert Dagmar Droogsma as its Director of Industry, based at the SWA’s London office.

Scotch Whisky is the UK’s largest food and drink export, with exports valued at £4.37 billion in 2017.

Droogsma was most recently head of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ unit responsible for EU strategy and negotiations.

She has held several senior roles in the UK Civil Service.

“She will use her vast experience to oversee the SWA’s work on operational issues, alcohol policy, taxation and the Industrial Strategy,” said the SWA.

Droogsma said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have joined the SWA.

“I’m excited about using my experience and skills to drive the sustainable growth of the whisky sector through and beyond Brexit.

SWA chief executive Karen Betts said: “I’m delighted that Dagmar is joining the SWA team.

“She will bring a wealth of experience from her previous roles, both inside and outside government.

“She will strengthen the Association’s expertise at a busy time, as the industry works to ensure that Scotland’s national drink continues to thrive.”

Dagmar has more than 25 years’ experience in the UK for professional bodies such as the RICS and UK government, and in the Netherlands as a lawyer and for Dutch government.

“She has developed high-profile policies and legislation and negotiated complex agendas nationally as well as in the EU and UN,” said the SWA.

“In her last role for the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs she was responsible for pulling together DEFRA’s position for the EU exit negotiations as well as negotiating this as a member of the UK’s negotiation team.”