The commercial property lawyer and head of the firm’s minerals team (pictured) was successfully elected to the position by members, alongside nearly 60 others from across the region.
Robert, who is based at Stephens Scown’s office in Exeter, will take up the role for three years and will attend regular meetings of the business lobbying organisation.
Stephens Scown LLP has been a member of the CBI for around four years and previously Robert was on the organisation’s regional minerals subcommittee. The legal firm also sits on the CBI’s South West environmental subcommittee and has hosted a number of events - Stephens Scown will jointly host an event with the CBI at the University of Exeter next month.
Commenting on his new appointment, Robert hopes to be a voice for Devon and Cornwall, “I’m very pleased to be part of the Council, not only as an individual, but also from the firm’s perspective – it’s a real endorsement from the CBI to feel that Stephens Scown has an important role to play in the business community and economy in the South West. We already have expertise in and support some of the region’s leading industries including agriculture, tourism and food and drink and I’m looking forward to sharing and hearing about the South West’s business success stories.”
Robert added: “The CBI has a strong relevance in the South West and helps to influence local and national government policy on growth - we need to make best use of this. I think growth and jobs should be the CBI’s focus over the next twelve months.”
David Rosser, Director of the CBI in the South West, said: “I would like to personally welcome Robert to the Council and would like to thank him for committing his time to the CBI. We have a long-standing relationship with Stephens Scown and the legal firm has always been very supportive of our work in the region.”
Outside of work, Robert enjoys golf, skiing and tennis. He is a trustee and non-executive board member of Tearfund, an international overseas aid and development Christian NGO, as well as a board member of the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink.
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