Roberts Radio appoints new CEO

British audio brand, Roberts Radio, has recently appointed Owen Watters as its CEO, returning to the business in a role he had previously held for six years.

Watters joins Roberts from Hama UK, where he was managing director. Prior to that, he had already worked at Roberts for 14 years, and has decided to re-join the business, aiming to “get radio back on the agenda” for consumers while building on the brand’s strong connections with traditional and independent retailers and premium high street locations. 

As shopping habits continue to normalise following a shift to online shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic, Watters plans to champion the benefits of shopping in person, leaning into the expert advice and industry-leading service levels available at independent retailers.

During Watters’ previous tenure, his work paved the way for Roberts’ successful European expansion into territories such as France and Germany. Roberts was also named ERT’s Supplier of the Year three years in a row, while the brand’s first connected device – the iStream 94i – also won the WhatHiFi? Product of the Year award three years in a row. 

He said: “I am delighted to be re-joining Roberts Radio as CEO, a business I have always been passionate about and have followed closely since I first joined back in 2005. Roberts has continued to build a well-respected presence in the UK and in European markets, and I look forward to continuing to grow the brand’s success.

“As more and more consumers are tuning into their radios and with radio podcasts and streaming services extending radio’s appeal, now is the right time for Roberts to get radio back on the agenda and to build upon its strong connections with bricks and mortar retailers too.” 

He added: “Roberts has a firm reputation for quality, trust and reliability and this provides us with the direction in which I intend to lead the brand forwards. I look forward to assisting the business as it continues its growth trajectory.”