Meet Alan

It’s a very exciting time here at AD HQ, and we’re delighted to announce that we have welcomed Alan Hughes as our new Managing Director.

Alan’s appointment comes as Amo Singh, the current Managing Director, steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He’ll be responsible for strengthening our leadership proposition as our company enters its next stage of growth.

So, grab a brew, take five and get to know our new Managing Director, Alan…

Hi Alan, it’s great to have you on board! So, what brought you to A.D.?

When the opportunity came up to join AD Branded Solutions, it just felt right. Great people, ambitious plans and a genuine desire to become the very best in the industry. It was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.

You spent 28 years building an incredible career in the sports industry. How do you think this experience will benefit A.D.?

Sport teaches you a lot about teamwork, resilience and delivering under pressure. I worked with a fantastic brand and organisations where relationships, service and attention to detail were everything. Those experiences translate perfectly into what we do at AD Branded Solutions, where we’re focused on creating outstanding customer experiences and long-term partnerships.

What excites you most about joining our team?

We’ve already got an amazing team and some fantastic customers, but I genuinely believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Building something special together is incredibly exciting.

(And I’m a bit of a technology geek, so being able to introduce new ideas, automation and AI along the way keeps me interested!).

What motivates you?

Seeing people succeed.

Whether that’s helping someone in the team develop their career, winning a new customer, or seeing a project we’ve worked hard on come to life, that’s what gives me the biggest buzz. I’m also ridiculously competitive…although my golf scores would suggest otherwise.

How will you support and inspire our customers?

By listening.

Every customer is different, so understanding what they’re trying to achieve is always the starting point. I want us to be known as the company that makes things easy, delivers on its promises and genuinely cares about our customers’ success. If we can simplify someone’s working day, we’ve done our job.

What makes a great team for you?

Trust.

If you’ve got trust, honesty and people who genuinely enjoy working together, everything else becomes much easier. The best teams celebrate success together, learn from mistakes together and aren’t afraid to have a laugh along the way. Work should be enjoyable.

What are your passions outside of work?

Most weekends you’ll find me out walking the dogs, renovating the house (which is a never-ending project) or out for lunch somewhere with my lovely wife (and usually the dogs tag along too!).

I also love watching football, spending time with my family and, if I get the time, I’ll happily lose an hour or two reading whilst sat in the garden.

We’re a team of animal lovers here at A.D., do you have any pets?

Yes! We have two Tibetan Terriers and they completely run the house.

They’ve mastered the art of looking innocent while quietly taking over the sofa, and they’re always ready for a long walk – whatever the weather.

I’d like to say I’m in charge…but we all know that’s not true.

If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to pause time.

There’s never enough of it! I’d squeeze in another round of golf, take the dogs for an even longer walk, spend more time with family…and maybe finally get through my ever-growing to-do list.

Tea, coffee or both?

Coffee – and plenty of it!

Quick Fire:

Favourite football team?
Liverpool.

Dream golf course?
Pebble Beach.

Early bird or night owl?
Early bird (the dogs see to that!).

Favourite holiday destination?
Greece (for the sun and the food).

One thing people don’t know about you?
I once did a fire walk barefoot across hot coals!

Dogs or cats?
Definitely dogs.

Sweet or savoury?
Sweet.

Favourite film?
Groundhog Day.

Thanks Alan!