Paul Drechsler

Biography

Paul is currently Chairman of Bibby Line Group which is headquartered in Liverpool. Before that he was Chairman and Chief Executive of Wates Group (2006-2014), the privately-owned construction firm he joined in 2004. Prior to joining Wates, Paul worked for ICI, spending the first 10 years of his career on Teesside. That was followed by 14 years holding various senior positions and living in Brazil, the USA and the Netherlands. His time there concluded with five years as Chief Executive of one of ICI’s principal international businesses and a main board director (1998-2003). Paul is also Chairman of the board of the charity Teach First, Chancellor of Teesside University and a board member of Business in the Community and Chairman of its Education Leadership Team. He was also the Chairman of the National Skills Funding Agency until September 2015.  Paul has been recognised for his outstanding leadership, winning KPMG Chief Executive of the Year for the construction industry and PwC ‘Private Company, Chief Executive of the Year’. During his tenure at the helm, Wates Group won the Business in the Community Company of the Year and the J.P. Morgan Best UK Family Business Award. Paul has been a member of the CBI Board since 2012 and was Chairman of the CBI Energy Policy Committee between 2007 and 2012 and a member of the Chairmen’s Committee. In February 2015, he was honoured by Her Majesty The Queen with an Honorary CBE for services to the construction industry.  

Research Interest

 business