John Watson

Non-executive director and previously interim chair, John is responsible for championing IoD values, promoting the objects of the Royal Charter and ensuring maximum value for our members.

John is chief executive of Crosswind Developments and has over 20 years’ experience working with FTSE 100 and global companies. He joined Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) as an operating principal in 2013 and chief commercial officer of their investment interest in Edinburgh Airport Limited. John also works with a number of GIP investments worldwide.

Prior to joining GIP, he was managing director of Lloyds Banking Group’s £50bn SME lending portfolio. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with PwC Corporate Finance, John joined 3i plc. John is the chair of Intelligent Growth Solutions, a trustee of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation and a non-executive director of Scottish Event Campus Ltd. He is a member of the ICAS Governing Council.