Background
About Tony Clarkson
An experienced Business Leader, Chairman and Non-Executive Director with a career built on growing businesses, backing management teams, and delivering exceptional exits.
I've successfully led businesses from £2m to £80m t/o in Building Products, Automotive Components and Oil and Petrochemical related industries targeting a global marketplace, with operational experience across Europe, North America, the Middle East and China.
I enjoy working and collaborating with senior teams and, as an ex-industrial engineer, I have a special interest in Industry 4.0 manufacturing systems and the adoption of Agentic AI for business process re-engineering — bringing a genuinely forward-looking perspective to every board I join.
A long-standing interest in developing others led me to lecture in Sales and Marketing on a part-time basis at the Hull College, and it is the same instinct that underpins the mentoring work I do today.
I've enjoyed a great career so far and operated successfully at a senior level in various industries, but I'm not someone who stands on ceremony. I've always been more interested in the people and the problem in front of me than in job titles or turnover. If you're building something and think an experienced pair of eyes might help, I hope you will always find me genuinely easy to talk to.
Qualifications & professional development
Career highlights
Pegler Ltd
£60m turnoverCEO / MBO Lead
As incumbent CEO, Tony negotiated the successful buyout of Pegler Ltd from Tomkins plc using an asset-based finance package. In his time there, the business created word class UK manufacturing facilities, built a sister plant in China, accelerated NPD and tripled profitability, before selling the business to Aalberts Industries of The Netherlands at a greater than 3x money multiple.
ECI Partners
Private EquityChairman
After leaving Aalberts, Tony worked in private equity for ECI Partners as Chairman in two of their largest acquisitions, bringing operational rigour and strategic clarity to both businesses.
MiniCam Ltd
3.3x multiple · 70% IRRBoard Director (LDC)
Tony worked with LDC on the board of MiniCam Ltd — a £14m manufacturer of push camera and crawler systems for pipeline inspections worldwide — achieving a 3.3x money multiple and IRR of 70% on exit to Halma plc.
Doby Verrolec Ltd
Greater than 4x multipleChairman (Chiltern Capital)
Tony acted as Chairman for two years at Doby Verrolec Ltd, a market-leading manufacturer of ductwork jointing systems. The business delivered record profitability in each year of his involvement, exiting to Bencis Capital Partners BV at a greater than 4x money multiple.
TEV Ltd
HVAC & RefrigerationChairman (YFM)
Tony stepped in as Chairman of TEV Ltd — manufacturers and distributors of air conditioning and refrigeration systems to UK and international markets — providing stability and strategic direction during a critical period.
Brisant Secure Ltd
3.5x multiple · Exit to Allegion plcChairman (BGF)
Tony served as Chairman of Brisant Secure Ltd, a c.£20m turnover business supplying market-leading locks and door furniture to the UK fenestration industry. The business posted record results across his three years of involvement, culminating in a highly successful exit to Allegion plc at a 3.5x multiple.
EC Electronics Group Ltd
c.£40m turnover · CurrentInvestor (Rockpool Investments)
Tony is currently invested alongside Rockpool Investments LLP in EC Electronics Group Ltd — a rapidly expanding, UK-headquartered global specialist in Electronics Manufacturing Services with multiple plants across Europe.
Areas of expertise
Work with Tony
If you're looking for experienced, independent board-level support, I'd welcome an initial free no obligation discussion
Get in touch