At Cornelius, we continue to grow, adapt, and evolve in response to the changing needs of our customers, partners, and markets. Our commitment to positive progress is reflected in a number of recent leadership changes that will support the business as we move into the next phase of our journey. These developments are designed to strengthen our operational agility, support long-term growth, and ensure the continuity of service and support you’ve come to expect from Cornelius. 

We announce that Phillip Gibbons will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer at the end of July 2025.  

Phillip, who has served as CEO since 2020, has guided the company through some of the most economically challenging years in recent history. Under his leadership, Cornelius has overcome the post-Brexit supply chain challenges, navigated the impacts of the pandemic, expanded our manufacturing capabilities, and most recently, achieved the groundbreaking strategic partnership with EV Group.  

Phillip is widely respected across the organisation for his thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership. His structured approach and ability to see both the detail and the bigger picture have helped shape a stronger Cornelius, organisationally, commercially, and culturally. On behalf of the Cornelius Group, we offer our sincere thanks for his integrity, commitment, and lasting contribution to the business.

Since December 2024, Phillip has been working in a part time capacity as Joint CEO, working with Darren Spiby. With Phillip’s upcoming retirement, Darren will continue in his part-time CEO role, retaining responsibility for the commercial leadership of the organisation. Amy O’Brien will assume responsibility for the operational leadership previously overseen by Phillip.

We are therefore delighted to announce that Amy O’Brien has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Amy will lead all operational areas previously overseen by Phillip. This includes continued collaboration with Simon Moran on Manufacturing and the UK Distribution operation, working closely with Sarah Sams and the Finance function, and maintaining leadership for HR, IT and Administration.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that Sarah Sams has been promoted to Head of Finance. She will work alongside the wider leadership team to drive financial strategy and governance in line with our evolving business goals.  

To support our ongoing strategic objectives and accelerate decision-making, the Executive Management Team (EMT) has also been refreshed and will now comprise:  

  • Neville Prior, Chairman  
  • Darren Spiby, CEO  
  • Amy O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer (COO)  
  • Simon Moran, Director of UK Manufacturing, Group Safety, Quality & Compliance  
  • Liam Smith, Group Business Development Director  
  • Sarah Sams, Head of Finance  
  • Martin Chambers, Head of Sales  

This leadership evolution represents an exciting new chapter for Cornelius. We look forward to building on the strong foundations laid under Phillip’s leadership and continuing our growth journey with renewed energy, focus, and confidence. 

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, principals and partners for your continued support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at sales.enquiries@cornelius.co.uk. We remain fully committed to delivering the differences.  

Download the leadership changes press release here.