DYNAMIC NEW PONT GROUP CEO READY TO BE CHALLENGED
Family-owned sustainability-focused glass and bio-based primary packaging supplier PONT Group has a dynamic new CEO at its helm.
Michael Watson steps into the role following the retirement of Stephen Compson, who has taken the company from a relatively niche player to one of the largest European packaging partners. Watson has been with PONT for nearly four years as the commercial director for Southern Europe, with the plan to take over from Compson on his retirement.
Watson acknowledges that Compson’s shoes are not easy to fill, saying, “I’m excited by the considerable challenge of taking over from Stephen; his motivating approach saw our company grow across Europe and build our reputation beyond packaging supplies through highlighting our world class attention to service. I’m ready to take this commitment to the next level; to bring my deep understanding of adding value by embracing business challenges that are facing us all, such as the important focus on sustainable packaging, to the advantage of our customers and the company.”
It is this focus on adding value through enthusiastic customer experience that is set to combine the company’s extensive, high quality packaging portfolio with the commercial advantage of PONT’s considerable supplying power. Watson explains, “I’m a very analytical person, with many years of sales and business development experience, so I’m driven by results; results that are good for everyone. I’m happy to be challenged in order to get the best results and I love that my team is motivated by this too. Under Stephen’s leadership, PONT grew from being a £5million turnover company to £75million, which is incredible. My goal is to strengthen the business further and ensure growth continuity as we consistently deliver high quality, solutions-focused sustainable packaging in glass, rPET and bio-based materials from cradle to grave.”
Watson notes how PONT’s team is known for working with brands from start-ups to leading names to help them define what packaging they want and need – and making sure they get it exactly when they want and need it. He adds, “PONT is a true packaging partner; as well as bespoke concept and design, we have reliable supply, warehousing, financing and delivery all consistently available at each of our 14 locations across Europe, with delivery worldwide. Customers are always close to PONT.”