Liverpool, UK - 12th February 2024 – Adilb, a leading event technology provider, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone with the completion of a Management Buyout (MBO). John Hughes, a Director with a distinguished track record over many years, particularly in navigating the company through the challenges of the Covid era, assumes the role of Managing Director, leading the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.
The management buyout represents a strategic move aimed at ensuring the long-term succession of Adlib. With a focus on continuity and maintaining the company's renowned reputation and ethos, this transition has been carefully planned and executed over several years.
Expressing his appreciation for the groundwork laid by Andy Dockerty, Adlib’s founder and outgoing MD, Hughes comments "We owe Andy a tremendous debt of gratitude for the environment that he has helped create over the years, for his incredible passion and dedication, for developing so many young (and old) aspiring engineers, for his stewardship and, more recently, for leading the charge for the industry in general, lobbying our cause during and after Covid".
The current management team, including long serving Directors Dave Kay, Phil Stoker, and Dave Jones will continue their integral roles in driving the company forward, with Dockerty maintaining an active involvement in daily operations.
Commenting on the management buyout, Dockerty stated “As the industry evolves and sector priorities change it is imperative you understand your position. I recognise that now is the time for me to step aside and allow the next phase of Adlib to evolve with John and the team. They are far better placed than I to develop Adlib’s potential, ambition and vision moving forward.”
Dockerty continued “Having founded Adlib 40 years ago, I am very proud of how it has developed from its humble Liverpool beginnings to the national, multi-disciplined, organisation boasting a global reputation that it has become today. A truly incredible journey. However, for the last few years John has effectively been operating as Managing Director, building a fantastic team around him to take the company forward. John’s ability to have handled the unprecedented situations we all encountered, combined with his vision for the future, convinced me that he and the team are best placed to develop and progress the company, hence a very amicable MBO has been brokered. I will remain a director at Adlib, working closely with the team but my focus will shift towards the mentorship of our young engineers, the enhancement of our warehouse, and a more ambassadorial role for Adlib on both national and international platforms. Additionally, I am now the vice chair of PLASA and a member of the Liverpool City Region Music Board allowing me to use my forty years’ plus experience to help the sector continue to push for the recognition it truly deserves, a responsibility I'm honoured to undertake. I may even do a bit of mixing….if I can find anything I can work!"
With a talented team and a clear vision for the future, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional results for it's clients and partners. "We're incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead," said Hughes. "A heartfelt thank you to all staff, customers, and industry partners for your continued support. It means a lot."
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