Cairns takes over helm at James Donaldson & Sons

James Donaldson & Sons will have a new managing director from April 1.

Scott Cairns will succeed Neil Donaldson who, after 25 years in the MD role, will take a step back from day-to-day management and assume the role of executive chairman.

Mr Cairns has worked for the Donaldson Group for 15 years and has been instrumental in developing both James Donaldson Timber and, more recently, the group’s merchanting business, MGM Timber (Scotland). He will now be responsible for the trading performance of all the companies within the group –James Donaldson Timber, MGM Timber, Parker Kislingbury and Donaldson Timber Engineering.

Mr Donaldson said a key ingredient to succes was “the ability to plan for succession whenever that time is right. I believe that time is now.

“Scott is keen and excited about the opportunity this offers him and also the challenges that he will no doubt have to face up to. This is an exciting time for the Group and we must embarce this transition with open arms.”

James Donaldson & Sons celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.