Ben Hirst
Non Executive Chair @Horizon Platforms
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WORK HISTORY
Non Executive Chair @Horizon Platforms
GB
Appointed Chair to provide long-term stewardship as the business continues to evolve under employee ownership. My role is to support the Managing Director and his leadership team, uphold strong governance, and ensure alignment between commercial goals and EOT values.
EDUCATION
CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing
Professional Certificate, Strategic Marketing
FT Board Director Programme
Diploma, Non-Executive Director
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Professional Certificate, Company Direction
ABOUT BEN HIRST
I\'m an experienced Managing Director and CEO with a track record of founding, scaling, and successfully exiting a high-performing business in the equipment rental sector. I’m also a Non-Executive Director and Chair with a passion for supporting values-led organisations as they grow, transition ownership, or professionalise operations.In 2008, I founded Horizon Platforms and led it through every phase of growth — from startup to national brand — culminating in a strategic transition to employee ownership. Under my leadership, Horizon achieved record revenues, operational excellence, and industry recognition, all while staying true to its people-first culture. I stepped down as CEO in 2023 and continue to support the business as Chair.Since then, I’ve built a portfolio career focused on helping ambitious, founder-led or family-owned businesses evolve — often following periods of rapid growth or as they navigate succession. At Bell Lighting, a fourth-generation manufacturing business, I was brought in to chair the board and help retain cultural identity while professionalising governance and strategy. I also serve as Chair of IPAF’s UK Country Council, representing rental companies and influencing safety and operational standards across the powered access sector.What I bring:• Deep experience in leadership, strategy, culture, and governance• Hands-on knowledge of employee ownership transitions and succession planning• Commercial acumen built through real-world experience, not theory• A calm, values-led approach in high-growth or high-change environmentsI’m currently open to Managing Director/CEO roles — particularly in values-led, B2B organisations between £5M and £50M — as well as advisory or NED roles where I can help unlock growth, improve performance, and embed purpose at the heart of the business.
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