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McGill’s names new CFO and CEO in leadership shakeup
Robbie Drummond CA – Chief Financial Officer, McGill’s Group
Bus operator McGill’s Group has made new appointments and changes to strengthen its senior leadership team, with Robbie Drummond CA joining as chief financial officer.
Mr. Drummond has also been appointed Company Secretary. He is a chartered accountant who has led and transformed transportation and logistics businesses in recent years.
Following periods at KPMG, PWC, Thus PLC and HBOS, Mr Drummond was appointed Group Finance Director for CalMac Limited, where he was responsible for financial strategy, technology, procurement, contract management, risk and transformation. Following the successful delivery of a successful tender and subsequent transformation programme, he was promoted to Managing Director and CEO with responsibility for leading a complex and safety-critical business providing public transport services across large geographies with millions of customers.
Mr Drummond said: “The bus industry is facing change and McGill’s wants to continue working with local partners to ensure we provide the highest quality service to passengers.
“I know from my time in the transport sector that McGill’s has invested heavily to grow from a regional business to become a major UK operator and I look forward to working with the owners, Ralph, Tony and the senior team to enable optimum performance, deliver strong governance and ensure future success in the years ahead.”
Ralph Roberts, current CEO, has been named the new chairman of McGill’s Group, taking over from co-owner James Easdale, who remains a director alongside his brother, Sandy.
Tony Williamson – new CEO of McGill
Tony Williamson has taken over as the new Group CEO. He has a wealth of public transport experience spanning nearly 40 years in the sector. Over the past decade, Mr Williamson has worked across Asia and South America in a series of CEO roles following 17 years in MD roles at Arriva Group.
With a reputation for driving business growth and delivering results, his impressive track record includes leading multiple successful business transitions, transforming organizations, and driving profitable growth. Mr. Williamson’s industry insights and thought leadership are highly respected and sought after, and he is a regular speaker at transportation industry conferences and events. He has also served on several transportation industry boards, providing expertise and leadership to drive the industry forward.
Mr Williamson said: “After many years working internationally as a transformation specialist, I am delighted to be returning to Scotland as CEO of McGill’s Group. I have known Ralph, Sandy and James for many years and I welcome the opportunity to work with them again.
“We are facing challenges in our industry that will require serious action to ensure that best value for the customer and the public purse is a priority.”
Mr Williamson added: “I am aware of the desire of some government bodies to gain greater control over bus services, but they must be aware of the substantial risks and costs to the public.
“Having considerable experience of both public and private bus operations, including franchised operations, it is clear that we need to work with decision-makers to understand the risks and implications this could pose to the people of Scotland.
“My challenge is to continue to build on the solid foundation that has been built on the quality of service provided by McGill’s Group and ensure that we are well equipped to deal with whatever public policy challenges lie ahead.”
McGill’s Group said the appointments would strengthen the business for the next phase of its growth plans.
In recent years the group has expanded considerably from Inverclyde and Glasgow to the rest of Scotland, first with the acquisition of Xplore Dundee from National Express and then with the purchase of First Scotland East and Bright Bus Tours almost two years ago.
James Easdale said: “This is a significant strengthening of our team and one to which we have committed new resources in order to attract Tony and Robbie to the business.
“We now have a broader leadership group and Ralph is looking forward to dedicating more time to our growth plans as Chairman, and as I step back from this role it will give me the flexibility to tackle important projects within the McGill business and within my wider family investments, together with my brother Sandy.”
Mr Roberts said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tony and Robbie to the business and it is a real coup for McGill’s Group to be able to attract two leaders of their calibre to join us.
“Both Tony and Robbie have extensive experience in the domestic and international shipping and finance sectors, and this will enhance our ability to grow our business sustainably, whilst identifying new and exciting markets for further business development.
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chairman, which will provide further strategic support to the business. Day-to-day control of our group company will now be transferred to Tony and Robbie and, whilst supporting the future development of the business, it will also give co-owner James Easdale time to focus on the family’s land and property portfolio, although he and Sandy will continue to make a significant contribution in their roles as directors.”