Weir Group boss 'very pleased' with his legacy as he signs off

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 30, 2026

Jon Stanton is resigning as CEO of Weir Group after delivering strong first-half 2026 results and will be succeeded by Andrew Neilson in August. Stanton’s departure comes as the company reports increased revenue, profit, and order book value, underscoring the success of its strategic focus on mining and digital innovation.

Jon Stanton, the long-serving chief executive of Weir Group, is stepping down after delivering a robust set of first-half results and outlining positive prospects for the mining equipment supplier. Stanton, who joined the company as finance director in 2010 and became CEO in 2016, will hand over leadership to Andrew Neilson, a chartered accountant and fellow company veteran, at the beginning of August.

Weir Group reported revenue of nearly £1.3 billion for the first six months of 2026, representing a 5 percent increase on a constant currency basis compared to the previous year. The order book’s value rose 8 percent year-on-year to exceed £1.4 billion, while pre-tax profit grew 7 percent to £175 million. Analysts at JP Morgan highlighted the company’s strong market share and predicted continued momentum into the latter half of the year.

During his tenure, Stanton guided Weir through a significant strategic shift, moving away from the oil and gas sector and divesting non-core businesses to concentrate on mining operations. The company has also expanded its capabilities in data analytics and artificial intelligence through a series of acquisitions, responding to customer demand for digital tools that enhance operational performance and support environmental sustainability initiatives.

One notable milestone under Stanton’s leadership was the 2018 acquisition of the US-based ground tools specialist Esco, valued at approximately £1 billion, marking the largest deal in the company’s history.

Reflecting on his time at the helm, Stanton acknowledged making several bold decisions that reshaped the company’s direction. “I’m very, very pleased with the legacy that I’m leaving and the internal succession and continuity. We’ve made some bold moves, and they’ve gone really well,” he said.

Although stepping down as CEO, the 59-year-old Stanton will continue to serve in an advisory role and does not intend to retire. He expressed his intention to take some time to relax and reflect before deciding on his next steps, citing ongoing energy and curiosity.

Following the announcement, Weir’s shares closed up 220 pence, or 8.7 percent, at £27.44.

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