CRU Group, the global commodities business intelligence company, today announce the appointment of Paul Robinson as Interim Chief Executive Officer. This follows the decision of David Trafford to retire from CRU after more than 11 years with the company, seven as CEO.
David and Paul have been working together, on the transition, since the start of the year and David will continue to support Paul until the end of the month.
Paul Robinson returns to CRU with deep institutional knowledge and a breadth of leadership experience developed over more than 19 years with the business. During his previous tenure, Paul held senior roles across CRU Consulting and research, including leading the Aluminium research team, heading Non-Ferrous Metals, and serving as a member of the Executive team. His experience spans compliance, knowledge management, economics, overseas office management, corporate strategy, and mergers and acquisitions.
Under David’s leadership, CRU has continued to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for independent, expert intelligence and data solutions for the world’s leading industrial and technological companies. Following a refreshed brand identity and organisational structure, CRU has reinforced its commitment to helping clients navigate increasingly volatile and complex market conditions with clarity, confidence, and urgency. Its capabilities span four key categories: data, insight, strategy, and communities. CRU has broadened its market appeal, attracting new customers from industries and sectors spanning primary production to downstream manufacturing and consumer goods.
Regarding the transition, David Trafford commented:
“Leading CRU has been a privilege in my career. We have strengthened our capabilities, expanded our global presence, and helped clients navigate increasingly complex markets—from shifting trade flows to decarbonisation and the energy transition. After more than 11 years with CRU, I believe this is the right time to hand over leadership. CRU is in a strong position, and I am confident Paul will provide excellent leadership as the company continues to build on this momentum. The business has high customer satisfaction scores and employee engagement with strong foundations for future growth.”
Regarding the appointment, Paul Robinson commented:
“I am delighted to return to CRU and to lead the business at a pivotal time for global commodity markets. Our focus will be on serving clients with the data, insight, and expertise they need to act with confidence – while continuing to innovate and invest in the products and capabilities that differentiate CRU. I look forward to working with the team as we build on CRU’s strong momentum.”
Commenting on the transition of the leadership, Robert Perlman, Chairman of CRU, said:
“Paul is an experienced leader with deep familiarity with CRU and the markets we serve. The Board is confident he will lead the business effectively through this transition, ensuring continuity for clients and colleagues while we undertake a comprehensive process to appoint a permanent CEO.”
About CRU
CRU offers independent, expert intelligence into the global commodities markets. This expertise is built on unrivalled data, unbiased insights and strategic thinking. Delivering knowledge across its four core offerings – data, insights, strategy, and communities – CRU supports businesses in navigating today’s increasingly complex commodities market, addressing supply chain challenges, decarbonisation and the energy transition with clarity, confidence and speed.
Since its foundation in 1969, CRU has consistently invested in primary research, robust data methodologies, and developed expert global teams. The company has completed an IOSCO audit of all its commodity prices, demonstrating the strength and resilience of its methodologies, policies and processes.
Today, CRU employs over 420 experts across 17 locations (including representative office) in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.
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