John Scott became Managing Director of Scott Timber, aged only 18 years. He soon transformed his family’s single site, Scottish sawmilling business, into one of the world’s leading pallet manufacturers and a major supplier to Europe’s industrial markets.

He is an intuitive, talented entrepreneur who, in the last 30 years, has led over 40 strategic business acquisitions and delivered sustained organic growth across an increasingly diverse business portfolio. He has established the Scott Group as one of Scotland’s most successful and sustainable high growth businesses. He has business interests in the UK and Latvia, operating from over 30 locations and employing over 1000 people. The Group now operates several trading divisions and joint ventures including Scott Pallets, Scott Packaging, Scott Direct, Scott Property and HLC (Part of the Scott Group).

His business achievements and charismatic personal leadership have been recognised by a number of coveted awards including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Microsoft Young Director Award and the SBAAT Young Achievers Award.  He has also served as a Forth Valley, Scottish Enterprise Board member and invited judge on the Entrepreneurial Exchange awards panel.

As someone committed to the importance of self-belief in achieving success, he is a longstanding sponsor of the educational charity, the Outward Bound Trust which seeks to develop young people through outdoor learning.

Now Monaco-based, John is focused on developing and diversifying the Scott Group across Europe.