Son Succeeds Father as Head of Watson Land

Watson Land Co., one of Southern California’s oldest and largest real estate companies, has named Robert W. Huston chairman.

A real estate attorney and partner in the Los Angeles law firm Booth, Mitchel & Strange, Huston has served on Watson’s board for six years. He is the 35-year-old son of William T. Huston, who stepped down as chairman in June after leading the company for 40 years.

During William Huston’s tenure, Watson grew from a 5,000-square-foot auto dealership in Wilmington to a large owner and operator of industrial parks. Today, the private real estate investment trust has 33 employees and nearly 12 million square feet of industrial, office and technology buildings and business centers, primarily in the South Bay.

The Carson-based company traces its history to Rancho San Pedro, California’s first Spanish land grant. Robert Huston’s mother, Susanna, is a descendant of Juan Jose Dominguez, who received the original land grant from the king of Spain in 1784.

“As we enter into a new era for our company, Bob brings a strong real estate background and fresh perspective to the leadership of our board,” said Bruce Choate, president and chief executive of Watson Land.

Huston lives in Pasadena.