After 36 years steering the north-east company he co-founded, a 69-year-old is stepping down from his position.

Alasdair Craigie is to retire from his role as CEO of Westhill-based CHAP Group after the Group's AGM on October 2, but will continue to work with the business as non-executive Chairman.

CHAP Group, which is made up of five divisions, namely CHAP Construction, CHAP Civil Engineering, CHAP Homes, NTP Kitchens & Joinery and CHAP Quarries, was set up by Alasdair, along with three other partners in 1976.


It now has 270 employees.

Having decided the time was right to step down to spend more time with his family, Mr Craigie will pass on the overall reins of the company to new joint managing directors Hugh Craigie and Douglas Thomson.

In addition to Mr Craigie stepping down, Bill Burr will also retire from his position as managing director of CHAP Homes later in the year.

Graeme Kinghorn will continue as group finance director.

The restructure will have no impact on job numbers.

Commenting on his forthcoming retirement, Alasdair said: "At the tender age of 69, I've decided the time has come to step down from the day to day running of the business and enjoy my retirement.

"I have complete confidence that I am leaving the business in extremely capable hands. I will of course miss being part of it all, but I am also very much looking forward to the next chapter in my life."

(NE)