Letters from leaders: Innes Smith – from accountancy graduate to CEO of Springfield Properties

Welcome to the “Letters from Leaders” series, where we spotlight inspiring Heriot-Watt alumni who are leading change, driving innovation, and shaping the future across industries. These blog posts go beyond traditional profiles, offering a behind-the-scenes look at alumni journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of leaders.

In this second installment, we delve into the remarkable career of Innes Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Properties PLC. A Heriot-Watt graduate in Accountancy and Finance, Innes shares his journey from a student with an uncertain future to a leader in the construction industry, offering valuable insights for aspiring professionals and future change-makers.

Early Life

Innes Smith's school years were marked by attention challenges, not due to a lack of ability, but because he was often unchallenged and bored. Initially, he planned to join the armed forces and work his way up through the ranks. However, after a disappointing experience at the recruitment office, he decided to complete his final year of school, ultimately achieving five Highers. With a natural aptitude for mathematics, Innes chose to pursue accountancy courses.

After receiving several offers, he selected Heriot-Watt University, drawn by its strong reputation in business and technical disciplines.

Time at Heriot-Watt

Arriving at Heriot-Watt without knowing anyone and with most of his peers still finishing school, Innes faced an initial period of adjustment. His first year was particularly challenging, as he felt slightly behind his classmates who had studied accountancy in school.

Doubting his choice of degree, Innes considered switching to Business Studies. However, fate intervened when he overslept on the day he was meant to change his course. Sticking with accountancy, he refocused his efforts and began to excel, finishing top of his class in taxation and among the top three in accounting.

His growing interest in accounting led him to accept a place at KPMG to complete his chartered accountancy qualification. Despite the demanding combination of work and study over three years, Innes succeeded.

Heriot-Watt provided Innes not only with an excellent education but also with the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with both peers and lecturers. Many of the lecturers left a profound impact on him, and he still remembers their names to this day.

Career Progression

After starting his career at KPMG, where he gained experience in auditing and other typical first-year tasks, Innes planned to climb the corporate ladder within the firm. However, an unexpected opportunity arose to work for a carbon fibre company in the Highlands. On the advice of his managing director, Innes accepted the position. This role offered him the chance to work with the board in Germany, conducting internal audits and travelling to various locations, including Poland, Ukraine, and the United States.

After five years, Innes moved on to Geal Force, where he served as Finance Director for four years. During this time, he encountered a business owner in search of a Finance Director. Intrigued by the owner's ambitious vision, Innes decided to join him, believing that even achieving half of the plan would be impressive. The business, however, far exceeded expectations, achieving ten times the anticipated success.

Becoming a CEO

Innes joined Springfield Properties in 2005 as Finance Director. During his tenure, he successfully navigated the company through the 2008 financial crisis, maintaining profitability and minimising redundancies. His effective management during this challenging period led to his consideration for the role of Managing Director when one of the two incumbents left. However, Innes initially declined, feeling he lacked the necessary experience.

He continued to work diligently on significant deals and projects, contributing to the company's growth. When the opportunity to step into the Managing Director role arose again, Innes was once more approached, and again, he hesitated. But after some reflection, he approached the remaining Managing Director and asserted, "I'm already looking after sales, construction, and finance—I might as well be Managing Director."

To prove his capability, Innes was asked to perform the role without the official title for six months. His success during this period left no doubt about his suitability, and in 2012, his promotion was officially announced—a decision that surprised no one.

Thirteen years later, Innes Smith continues to lead Springfield Properties as CEO.

Advice for Students

Innes offers several pieces of advice for students and recent graduates:

• Don’t Panic: If you’re unsure about your future at school, university, or even after graduation, it’s okay. Take risks, seize opportunities, and you’ll eventually find your passion.
• Embrace Uncertainty: Everything happens for a reason. If a job or role doesn’t work out, don’t be discouraged—there are plenty of other opportunities waiting for you. Sometimes, you have to go with the flow and accept that not everything will go according to your ideal plan, but it will work out in the end.
• Don’t Chase Money: For Innes, becoming a CEO was never about the salary. It was about having the ability to positively impact and shape a business he loved and was deeply committed to.
• Always Be Honest: Stay true to yourself and maintain honesty in all your dealings. If nothing else, you can always remember the truth.

What He Looks for in Candidates

Innes highlights a few key traits he values in potential candidates:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hard Work: Demonstrate your interest and go beyond the basic tasks. Ask questions and make yourself stand out.
• Intelligence: Know your subject and the role you’re applying for. Do your homework—knowledge is power and will serve you well.
• Approachability: Be the person others want to work with—the one who is hard-working, kind, and always willing to help.

Innes Smith’s journey from a student unsure of his future to the CEO of a major company exemplifies the power of perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to seize opportunities. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone aiming to reach the top of their profession.

Written by Amelie Marr