Graeme Watt
About Graeme Watt
Graeme Watt serves as the Chief Risk Officer at Ultra Electronics in London, United Kingdom, a position he has held since 2019. He has extensive experience in risk management across various sectors, including global manufacturing and retail, and has held leadership roles in multiple organizations throughout his career.
Work at Ultra Electronics Group
Graeme Watt has served as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Ultra Electronics since 2019. In this role, he focuses on embedding risk management as a routine part of business operations. He develops business frameworks for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) at Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC. His responsibilities include aligning insurance strategies to be bespoke, value-driven, and effective, as well as leading structural and cultural change within the organization.
Previous Experience in Risk Management
Prior to his current position, Graeme Watt worked as a Risk and Assurance Consultant and Interim from 2018 to 2019. He held various roles in risk management, including Director of Risk Management and Internal Audit at Alliance Boots and Chief Risk and Governance Officer at Laird. His experience spans multiple sectors, including global manufacturing and retail, where he has specialized in strategic and operational risk management.
Education and Expertise
Graeme Watt studied at The University of Dundee, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from 1978 to 1982. He furthered his education at The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, achieving the status of Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) from 1989 to 1991. His educational background supports his expertise in delivering risk-founded audit and assurance for management and stakeholders in FTSE businesses.
Background in the Royal Navy
Graeme Watt served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy from 1978 to 1998, accumulating 20 years of experience. This role provided him with a foundation in leadership and risk management, which he later applied in various corporate environments. His military background contributes to his pragmatic approach to business continuity planning and risk management.
Career in Retail and Audit
Graeme Watt has a broad-based career that includes significant roles in retail and audit. He worked as Head of Business Controls at World Duty Free and as Stock Controls Manager at Somerfield. His experience also includes positions such as Risk Audit Manager at World Duty Free and Head of Group Risk Management at Alliance Boots. These roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of risk management across different business sectors.