Williamson joins from William Grant & Sons, where he served as corporate affairs director. He previously held the role of public affairs and communications director at the Scotch Whisky Association and has served on the boards of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), spiritsEUROPE and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), bringing more than 25 years of industry experience to the role.
Darya Galperina, chair of the WSA board and international public affairs director for Pernod Ricard, said Williamson's combination of corporate and industry association experience made him well suited to lead the organization forward. "The foundations of the Alliance are strong, but our sector's expectations continue to grow," she said. "The Board has full confidence in his ability to build on the Alliance's achievements and further strengthen our global impact."
Williamson's responsibilities will include advocating for the spirits sector, promoting evidence-based policy, and advancing the industry's contribution to communities and economies worldwide.
"It is an honour to lead the World Spirits Alliance, and I am excited to champion our industry's significant contribution to communities and economies around the world," Williamson said. "I look forward to working with all our members to unlock new growth opportunities, encourage the responsible and sustainable enjoyment of our brands, and promote evidence-based trade, tax, and alcohol policies."
Williamson's predecessor, Helen Medina, has led the Alliance since 2024, during which time she helped strengthen its relationships with institutions including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. "The Alliance thanks her for that leadership and wishes her every success in what comes next," the organization said in a statement.
The World Spirits Alliance provides a platform for cooperation on international spirits policy, promotes responsible consumption, and advocates for evidence-based trade, tax and alcohol policies. Its members include major international drinks companies such as Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Campari Group, Diageo, Edrington, Jägermeister, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, Rémy Cointreau, Sazerac, Suntory Global Spirits and William Grant & Sons.
