Robin Hutson to step down as the Pig chairman

Robin and Judy Hutson are to retire from their roles as chairman and creative director of The Pig Hotels, the group they founded in 2011.

Having built the collection to eight hotels in partnership with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the parent company of the business was sold to private equity firm KSL Capital Partners in 2022, while the Hutson’s retained a shareholding.

Robin and Judy remained with the business, which has since made plans for three further hotels including the Pig-on the farm, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and the Pig at Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells.

They have now decided to take a step back at the end of the year to enjoy more leisure time and spend time with their family.

Robin Hutson said: “Following a nearly 50 year-career in the hospitality industry, Judy and I have decided to retire from our working roles as chairman and creative director of the Pig Hotels at the end of this year. Judy and I will remain however, as committed, supportive shareholders of the business."

Hutson added that he would continue as chairman of LimeWood Group and the English sparkling wine business Sugrue South Downs.

 He said: “I know the Pig is in great hands with our chief executive Tom Ross whose leadership and considered judgement will no doubt guide the company to new levels of success, and the entire senior team, who bring decades of experience – including some who have been with us since the Pig’s founding in 2011.”

Though Hutson said it had been “a difficult decision for us to make”, he acknowledged: “I think we have developed and launched around 20 successful hotel projects over a 30-year period, so we reckon we have done our bit!”

He said his that successful treatment for prostate cancer had focussed his mind on his family.

Hutson added: “Frankly, we are not getting any younger. We want to enjoy a little more leisure time whilst we are still reasonably fit and healthy, and we want to spend more time with our family, especially our grandchildren, over the coming years. Additionally, I had successful treatment, but a close encounter with prostate cancer last year, and incidents like these certainly focus the mind.”