FWB co-founder retires

FWB co-founder Willie Finlayson has retired from the firm after 31 years.

The executive recruitment business was founded in 1993 by Finlayson, Judy Wagner and Scott Black, growing from its Edinburgh base to encompass clients and offices across the UK.

He commented: “Suffice to say it’s been quite a journey - there’s a lot that’s happened in the last 30 years - including the biggest change to the world of working ever imaginable.

“It has however been a privilege to have been asked to advise so many outstanding companies on the recruitment of their leaders; the responsibility and the importance of this has never been lost on me.”

Finlayson continued: “I feel very fortunate to have had a career I have loved and with so much purpose and I’m hugely grateful to all those who have supported me on my journey.

“I am also delighted that several of our leadership team are now also the owners of the business and I wish everyone in FWB, and connected with the business, every success in the future.”

Throughout his career Finlayson was always client facing and led a considerable number of FWB’s most notable appointments.

Bob Brannan, chair of Walker’s Shortbread - and former William Grant & Sons managing director - commented: “Willie’s natural ability to exude genuine empathy to clients and candidates alike over a long period of time has made him the standout Scottish headhunter of his generation.”

Scott Black, managing director of FWB, said: “I’ve been very fortunate to have had a number of exceptional colleagues in my career, most notably my co-founders in Judy and Willie.

“The three of us have an unbreakable bond and Judy and I speak for the entire business when we wish Willie all the very best in his retirement.”

Brian Williamson, who joined FWB as its chair earlier this year, added: “I have known Willie for such a long time and most of it as a customer, his relaxed and confident style made me feel comfortable that he would find exactly the right candidate and he never disappointed.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Willie has been one of the key influencers within the recruitment industry and it goes without saying that I wish him all the very best as he retires from the great firm he helped to establish.”

Following a successful managed buy-out, FWB has grown its recruitment specialities into sectors like consumer, private equity, financial services, manufacturing, engineering, the built environment and not-for-profit.

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