World Spirits Alliance CEO Helen Medina departs
The World Spirits Alliance has begun searching for a new chief executive following Helen Medina’s departure after helping establish the organisation’s global presence.
SWITZERLAND – The World Spirits Alliance (WSA) has announced the departure of chief executive Helen Medina, who is stepping down just over two years after becoming the trade association’s first CEO.
Medina joined the industry-funded organisation in April 2024 after spending seven years at Nestlé, where she served as senior public affairs manager for government and multilateral relations. Her departure marks the end of a period focused on expanding the WSA’s global profile and strengthening its representation of the international spirits industry.
In a message shared on LinkedIn, Medina reflected on her time leading the organisation and the progress achieved during her tenure.
“Today marks the end of my tenure as CEO of the World Spirits Alliance,” she wrote. “When I joined, the goal was clear: create and establish a global trade association that could advance the interests of the international spirits sector.
“Together, we did just that. I leave incredibly proud of what we have built and grateful to the members, colleagues, and friends who made it possible. While I am excited for the next chapter, I will remain engaged to support the transition to new leadership.”
Although the WSA has not yet named a successor, Medina confirmed that she will continue to assist the organisation during the leadership transition.
Earlier this year, she outlined the group’s priorities for 2026, emphasising the importance of supporting and promoting the global spirits sector.
She said the association would continue “making sure we are protecting the industry, promoting the industry, and also really promoting its strength when it comes to the global economy, its importance to agriculture, its importance to the social fabric of communities.”
Founded in 2019, the WSA serves as an international voice for the spirits industry, bringing together multinational beverage companies and regional trade associations to advocate on issues affecting the sector.
The organisation thanked Medina for her contributions and confirmed that the search for a new chief executive is under way.
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