The English Whisky Guild (EWG), an industry body set up to support and lobby for English whisky producers, has appointed a CEO.

Morag Garden, who will be the guild's first full-time employee, spent a decade working with the Scotch Whisky Association and most recently held a position at a global sustainability consultancy.

She will be responsible for spearheading the organisation, which now has 23 members including Cotswolds Distillery, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, the Lakes Distillery, the Oxford Artisan Distillery, Bimber Distillery, and Copper Rivet Distillery.

According to research by the EWG, some 50,000 casks of whisky are predicted to be laid down by English distillers by the end of 2024, with the value of maturing stock expected to exceed £1 billion over the same period. Last year, Whisky Magazine exclusively revealed that the guild had submitted an application for a geographical indication (GI) for English whisky to the UK government.

Andrew Nelstrop, chairman of the EWG and owner of member distillery The English Whisky Co., said: "The appointment of Morag Garden as the CEO of the English Whisky Guild is a vote of confidence by the industry about its future role in the global whisky market.

"Morag’s background in legislation, production, and environmentalism will be valuable assets moving forward, as the EWG continues its mission to showcase the remarkable quality and diversity of English whisky – increasingly on a growing international stage."

Of her appointment, Garden said: "I am delighted to represent the English whisky sector which is continuing to grow, innovate, and produce the highest-quality spirit. I am looking forward to working with EWG members, with our supply chain, government, and other key organisations to deliver the EWG’s vision for English whisky to be recognised globally as a respected choice for whisky drinkers."