Brightbridge Search appoints Andrew Wakelin as Chairman of AIC

Brightbridge Search is delighted to have supported Automotive & Industrial Consumables (AIC) and Foresight Group with the appointment of Andrew Wakelin as Chairman, following Foresight’s £12 million investment in the business.

The investment supports a management buyout led by AIC’s existing senior management team and provides capital for the company’s next phase of growth. AIC is an established importer and distributor of automotive, electrical and industrial consumables, supplying more than 6,100 products to over 5,500 customers across the UK, Europe and the US.

With Foresight investing alongside the management team, the appointment of an experienced independent Chairman was an important part of establishing the board structure for the next stage of the business.

The search called for someone with a strong understanding of distribution and industrial businesses, combined with experience of private equity, acquisitions and international growth. Just as importantly, the successful candidate needed to be comfortable working with an established management team, providing constructive support and challenge while bringing the governance and discipline expected in an institutional investment environment.

Andrew brings considerable relevant experience. Most recently, he spent seven years with Aspen Pumps Group, initially as Group Chief Operating Officer and latterly as Group Strategic Operations Director. During his time with the Inflexion-backed business, Andrew held responsibility for worldwide operations and played a central role in integrating acquisitions across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Alongside his executive career, Andrew has been Non-Executive Chairman of Celuplast Group since 2017. The family-owned specialist building products distributor operates across Ireland and the UK, where Andrew has worked with the shareholders and executive team on governance, strategy, management development and succession.

Earlier in his career, Andrew was Managing Director of SIG UK Exteriors and a member of SIG plc’s Group Executive Committee, following a number of senior commercial roles within the group. His career has therefore given him extensive exposure to distribution businesses where procurement, stock management, supplier relationships and service are fundamental to performance.

This combination of private equity experience, operational leadership, M&A and chairmanship made Andrew particularly well aligned with the requirements of the role. He joins AIC as Foresight and the management team begin the next phase of the company’s development.

Brightbridge is pleased to have supported Foresight and AIC with this appointment and to have brought Andrew into the business at an important point in its evolution.