Scotch Whisky Association announces legal team changes

Changes to its legal team have been announced by the Scotch Whisky Association, as Magnus Cormack leaves the post of director of legal affairs after 33 years with the organisation.

Alan Park has been promoted to succeed Mr Cormack from the end of April. Currently senior legal counsel, he started with the SWA 13 years ago. He will lead a team of four legal counsel, one paralegal and two departmental assistants that safeguards the name and reputation of Scotch whisky.

One of the main responsibilities of the SWA is to protect Scotch whisky from unfair competition, and to protect its geographical indication which is of great commercial value around the world. As senior legal counsel, Mr Park has been responsible for the SWA's legal work in a number of jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. He is a member of the European Communities Trade Mark Association’s GI committee and sits on the European Union group of the Organisation for an International Geographical Indications Network on behalf of the SWA.

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: “We wish Magnus Cormack all the best for the future and thank him for his many years of sterling work for the SWA. And I’m delighted that Alan Park has agreed to step up to the position of director of legal affairs. I’m sure he’ll continue the excellent work of Magnus in safeguarding Scotch Whisky around the world.”