Campbell will take up his new role as chairman from 3 June, exactly 50 years after he joined the firm.
Leaving Langstane on firm footing following a recovery from both the oil and gas industries’ recession from 2014-16 – Aberdeen’s economy is closely tied to both – and the pandemic, Campbell will hand over the reins to younger cousin Mark Campbell.
The younger Campbell – no novice to the business, having put in 30 years’ service at just 46 years old – has shadowed the elder closely over the past six months in preparation.
Colin Campbell told Printweek he was feeling “very positive” about being able to step back.
He said: “Having the opportunity to retire when the business is in good health and has good plans for the future – and having a family member, the third generation, ready to step up – it’s exciting.
“We’re calling it a new chapter, not the end of the story. And I still have a part to play in that new chapter: I’ve plenty to do in my personal life, and I will still have that connection to the business as chairman.”
Aside from being able to spend more time with his family and on the golf course, Colin Campbell will be lending Mark his ear whenever it is needed, something his own father did when Colin took on the role of managing director from him.
“It just feels absolutely like the right time for Mark, given his maturity and experience. He’ll be seeing me at least every two months at our board meetings, but he’s also got a hotline to me any moment of the day – that’s the beauty of being a family-owned business, where you have that kind of culture.
“When I took over from my dad 37 years ago, he was my safety net – so I’ll pass on my experience to Mark as and when he needs it,” Campbell said.
Langstane has changed significantly since it was a jobbing commercial printer several decades ago. Now, the firm, forecast to make £20m by 2026, primarily makes its money by providing a wide array of office supplies – but print remains core to the business’ mission, Campbell added.
“Printing is very much part of our DNA. We do lots of different things now – not more than 5% of our business is in print – but print is a significant part of what we offer our customers.
“We started as a printer, and we’d fiercely defend that connection.”
In late 2023, Langstane sold its two-colour Heidelberg, marking the transition to an entirely digital production model using Ricoh kit.
“We’re still passionate about growing our printing business. Last year, we managed 14% growth in print sales, and we’re targeting to go way beyond that,” Campbell added.
