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Mark Kent

Chief Executive, Scotch Whisky Association · United Kingdom

✓ Verified current role· as of 2026-09-09

Mark Kent is the CEO of Scotch Whisky Association. Kent is based in the United Kingdom. Kent was born in 1966 in Spilsby and educated at Free University of Brussels and Lincoln College.

Mark Kent CMG served 34 years in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, holding diplomatic posts including British Ambassador to Argentina (2016-2021), Thailand (2012-2016), and Vietnam (2007-2010). He joined the Scotch Whisky Association as Chief Executive in January 2022.

Recent developments

AI summary of recent coverage

Recent coverage of Mark Kent has focused on the Scotch Whisky Association's advocacy around tariff relief and trade agreements, including the US tariff exemption, the UK-India free trade agreement, and reduced Chinese import duties. Coverage has also noted organizational changes at the association, including the appointment of a former ambassador to lead international efforts and a shift in leadership positioning. Additionally, reporting has touched on broader industry challenges, including climate impacts on Scottish barley production and the need for favorable trade terms amid declining global exports.

Summarized from the headlines below; see each source for the full story.

Born
January 14, 1966 · Spilsby
Citizenship
United Kingdom
Education
Free University of Brussels, Lincoln College, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle
Awards
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George

Our coverage

On CEOInsider

No feature yet. When we publish a feature, interview or cover story on Mark Kent, it will appear here — and tie into the news timeline.

Mark Kent: FAQ

Who is Mark Kent?
Mark Kent is the Chief Executive of Scotch Whisky Association, based in United Kingdom.
What company does Mark Kent lead?
Mark Kent is CEO of Scotch Whisky Association.
Where was Mark Kent educated?
Mark Kent studied at Free University of Brussels, Lincoln College, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Horncastle.