McGill’s Group has announced changes to its senior management team that have seen Tony Williamson (pictured) succeed Ralph Roberts as CEO and the departure of former Group Managing Director Alex Hornby.
Mr Roberts moves to the role of Chairman, a position he assumes from co-owner James Easdale. Mr Easdale remains a director of the business alongside his brother and co-owner Sandy. Meanwhile, Robbie Drummond has been named Finance Director and Company Secretary.
James Easdale describes the appointments as “a significant strengthening of our team” and says that McGill’s has “committed fresh resources in order to attract Tony and Robbie to the business.”
Mr Roberts will devote more time towards growth plans as Chairman, while Mr Easdale will gain additional flexibility from stepping away from that role to address “key projects” within both McGill’s and his wider family investments.
Mr Williamson joins from Ascendal Group, where he was formerly CEO Asia, Europe and Latin Americas. His CV also includes time spent with Tower Transit and Arriva, along with former Scottish Bus Group businesses Kelvin Central and Clydeside Buses in senior engineering roles.
Across those posts, Mr Williamson spearheaded several business transactions, transformed organisations, and drove profitable growth, McGill’s notes. He has also been active in the franchised environment in various markets.
Adds Mr Williamson: “After many years working internationally as a transformational specialist, I am delighted to be returning to Scotland as Chief Executive of McGill’s Group. I have known Ralph, Sandy and James for many years and relish the opportunity to work with them again.
“We are facing challenges in our industry that will require serious action to ensure that the best value for the customer and the public purse is a priority.”
On proposals to introduce bus franchising in Strathclyde, Mr Williamson says that bodies advocating it “must be aware of the substantial risks and costs to the public.” He adds that McGill’s “will need to work with decisionmakers to understand the risks and implications that this may hold for the people of Scotland.”
Continues Mr Williamson: “My challenge is to continue to build on the strong foundation that has been laid in the quality of service provided by McGill’s Group, and to ensure that we are well equipped to handle whatever public policy challenges lie ahead.”
In leading McGill’s finance function, Mr Drummond arrives from CalMac, having previously held the role of Managing Director and CEO. He also counts KPMG, PWC and HBOS as former employers. McGill’s says that the appointments “strengthen the business for the next phase of its growth plans.”
Mr Hornby leaves after around a 15-month spell as Group Managing Director. His departure was announced to staff on 25 July by Mr Roberts.
Via that message, employees were told that “in order to remain competitive and efficient in the marketplace, it is important that the company continues to review its strategic direction in all matters.” Mr Hornby left “with immediate effect.”
Having joined from Transdev Blazefield in May 2023, Mr Hornby has seen the debut of Loch Lomond Travel and success for McGill’s Bus Group in the long-awaited second phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund.
