APISWA Appointed Ian McKendrick as Executive Director
The trade group has hired a veteran of the Scotch Whisky Association to lead regulatory engagement in Asia Pacific.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
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APISWA has appointed Ian McKendrick as its new executive director to manage government relations and policy for its 10 member companies across the Asia Pacific region. McKendrick assumes the role following an extensive diplomatic and trade policy career.
Why it matters
McKendrick will steer the alliance's strategy on complex regional challenges including trade barriers, alcohol taxation, and anti-illicit product initiatives. His background managing global market access is expected to help the coalition navigate shifting regulatory landscapes in Asian markets.
APISWA now represents 10 member companies. McKendrick brings experience from a six-year tenure at the Scotch Whisky Association and more than two decades of service at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The players
Ian McKendrick
The new executive director of APISWA who previously managed international trade and diplomacy for the UK government and the Scotch Whisky industry.
APISWA
An industry alliance representing 10 companies that coordinates advocacy on trade, taxation, and consumption standards across the Asia Pacific region.
Scotch Whisky Association
A trade body representing the global interests of the Scotch whisky industry which focuses on market access and regulatory compliance.
The details
McKendrick leads the alliance's interface with governments and regulators regarding trade, taxation, and responsible consumption. He will leverage a background that includes four years at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and a diplomatic posting in Beijing to coordinate anti-illicit alcohol initiatives. This operational oversight requires balancing diverse international trade standards with the specific regulatory hurdles faced by alcohol distributors in the Asia Pacific region.
Timeline
McKendrick completed a six-year tenure at the Scotch Whisky Association prior to 2026.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows a documented industry trend of recruiting veteran diplomatic and trade officials to navigate complex regional regulatory frameworks. It mirrors the strategic shift toward centralized lobbying as companies contend with diverging international standards for alcohol taxation.
Operators in the Asia Pacific alcohol trade should monitor how APISWA adjusts its lobbying approach regarding illicit product enforcement and tax policy. Review upcoming trade association filings for indicators on how McKendrick intends to prioritize market access initiatives.
The takeaway
McKendrick's transition from diplomatic trade policy to industry advocacy signals a shift toward more formal, state-aligned lobbying in the Asia Pacific market. Operators should track how the organization's engagement with Beijing regulators evolves under his leadership.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, see People.
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