ROBERTSON Group has announced the appointment of John Watson as chairman, succeeding founder Sir Bill Robertson who has chosen to step back from daily involvement in the family-owned business.
Sir Bill will continue his role as chairman of the Robertson Family Office. He said, “Robertson Group celebrates 60 years of trading this year and over that time has evolved into an established portfolio of successful businesses. In the past couple of years, we have implemented a change in our operational structure with each business operating separately, while still being part of the group and upholding our long-established principles and values.
“Separate businesses is a new environment for us, and I am pleased to welcome John who brings considerable experience of business growth and investment across multiple sectors.”
Robertson Group delivered revenue of £793 million and pre-tax profits of £20.2 million in the 2025 financial year, following a previously challenging trading year. The return to profit was said to have reflected the strategy of supporting separate businesses within the portfolio and focusing on quality projects over quantity.
CEO Elliot Robertson said, “The Robertson Group board has always benefited from strong leadership and John’s wealth of experience across multiple sectors, supports our strategic sustainable growth plans. Robertson Group is renowned for delivering high quality for our customers and partners. I look forward to continuing to provide further growth within the portfolio of businesses and to having John’s support to enable that to happen.”
Speaking of his appointment, John Watson commented, “Robertson Group is a mainstay of the built environment in Scotland and across northern England, developing local workforces and supply chains to support regional economies while delivering iconic buildings and quality services in the communities it serves. It is a privilege to take over as executive chairman from the founder Sir Bill, and I look forward to working with Elliot to support the evolution of the separate businesses and ensure the legacy of community investment remains committed and impactful.”
