Distilled Spirits Council and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.Org) have named Chris R. Swonger, a long-time government affairs executive and industry veteran, the president and CEO of both organizations.
The move is designed to more closely align the missions and activities of the two groups following a strategic review process that set out ambitious plans for the future of both organizations while identifying shared value opportunities to amplify the impact of their collective work.
Under Swonger’s direction, both organizations will maintain individual identities and missions while aligning under common executive leadership.
Swonger will join the Distilled Spirits Council Nov. 12, and will assume leadership of Responsibility.org Jan. 1, 2019.
Swonger joins from Smiths Group, a diversified global technology company with interests in homeland security, defense, aerospace, energy & environment, and medical devices, where he was senior vice president for global government relations.
But before that, he spent 15 years in the spirits industry, during leading government affairs for Beam and Allied Domecq.
“Chris is a terrific fit to lead these organizations at a dynamic time in our industry. He brings a wealth of advocacy experience, vision and energy, along with background in our industry and outstanding passion for our commitment to responsibility,” said Deirdre Mahlan, president of Diageo North America and Spirits Council chair. “I would also like to thank interim CEO Clarkson Hine for his leadership and excellent work driving continued momentum at the Council.”
Mike Keyes, Brown-Forman senior vice president, chief corporate affairs officer and FAAR chairman added, “Underage drinking and drunk driving are at historic lows in the U.S., and Responsibility.org under Ralph Blackman’s leadership has played a critical role in this progress. We thank Ralph for his 22 years of remarkable leadership, which will conclude at year end. Our work is not done, and Chris is the ideal leader to build on our progress and advance this important mission.” Blackman previously announced his intent to retire as president and CEO of Responsibility.org at the end of 2018.
Swonger stated, “I’m looking forward to returning to the distilled spirits industry, and will be honored to promote and protect the interests of such fine companies and advance their high standards of responsibility and policy advocacy. I plan to vigorously promote moderation and responsibility, while advocating for market access, equal treatment and common-sense policies that enable the continued growth of the distilled spirits industry.
“And, I look forward to working closely with the boards of both organizations to maximize the impact of their respective visions, missions and strategies,” Swonger concluded.
Swonger is a Texas native and graduate of Texas Tech.