Ellis Williams has announced an executive leadership transition as part of its succession planning following a management buyout (MBO) earlier in 2023. Julian Baker, Managing Director for over 12 years has been appointed as Chairman, with Neil Adshead being promoted to Managing Director.
Date
Julian joined Ellis Williams Architects in 1994, before becoming a Director in the late 90s and Managing Director in 2012. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in re-shaping the Practice in response to the ever-changing challenges and opportunities posed by today’s Construction Industry. At all times, placing collaboration and teamwork at heart of the Practice ethos. A tenet that seeks to ensure the realisation of architecture that benefits society, by putting people, places and the planet at the centre of everything we do.
Julian has also been instrumental in shaping the careers of many younger architects. He has a passion for helping the next generation of architects realise their potential, and as part of this role, has been an RIBA Student mentor for many years.
In addition to his Practice activities, Julian during his time as MD, has won numerous awards, sat on a number of Design Panels and been an RIBA North-west Council member for many years. In 2021, Julian was also elected as a member of RIBA National Council.
Neil will take up the role of Managing Director at a time of great opportunity with a view to growing the legacy left by Julian and indeed, those before him, during the Practice’s 56 year history. As only the fourth MD during this time, Neil is fully aware of the significance of his role in shaping the future of the Practice. In particular, the importance of embracing the Practice’s culture, whilst driving the forward its future ambition and vision.
Neil has been with the Practice for over 20 years. He became a Director in 2017 and an Equity Director in 2020. During this time, Neil has built long-standing, professional relationships thanks to his friendly, proactive approach to service delivery and his drive for design excellence on all his projects.
The Practice’s transition and management succession strategy has been underway for over 12 months. In 2023, Neil alongside Tim Brown, Louise Sheridan, Sarah Delucia-Crook, Robert Freeman and Mirko Gabler entered into a management buyout. As we welcome Neil to his new role, it is therefore business as usual with this change in structure being a planned and natural part of the succession strategy.
We wish both Julian and Neil the very best in the new roles.