FD to take over top job at Weir Group

Jon Stanton, who has been finance director at Glasgow-based engineering giant Weir Group since 2010, is to replace Keith Cochrane as the group’s chief executive.

Mr Cochrane is stepping down after seven years in the top job and following a decade on the board of the company which makes valves and pumps for the energy and mining industries in more than 70 countries and is one of Scotland’s biggest employers.

Mr Stanton, who had been a partner at Ernst & Young, will take over from Mr Cochrane on October 1.

Charles Berry, chairman of Weir, said: “Keith has demonstrated strong leadership over the last seven years and the substantial progress we have made during that time has been achieved through his passion, drive and determination. He has strengthened the Group’s market position, extended our product portfolio and developed a customer-focused business model which is both robust and agile in responding to changing market conditions. He leaves Weir in very good shape with a clear and successful strategy, strong operational performance and an experienced and capable leadership team. We are grateful for all he has done, and when he steps down, it will be with our very best wishes.”