Why Andrew Hulbert’s IWFM Leadership Marks A Generational Shift
Andrew Hulbert’s election as Chair of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management in July 2025 represents more than a personal achievement. It reflects a broader shift in the sector, one that prioritises innovation, inclusion, and long-term thinking. Born on September 17, 1986, in Oxford, United Kingdom, Hulbert grew up in Marston and attended The Cherwell School, where he completed his GCSEs and A Levels between 2000 and 2005. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in systems, leadership, and the ways organisations influence the people within them. These early interests would shape both his professional career and his approach to sector leadership.
Hulbert pursued higher education at the University of Essex, earning a first-class Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2008. He continued to expand his expertise by completing a Master of Science in Facility and Environment Management at University College London in 2012, graduating with distinction. The combination of business strategy and environmental management provided him with a foundation to understand not only the commercial aspects of organisations but also their operational and human dimensions.
His professional journey in facilities management began in 2007 with an internship at Rollright Facilities Ltd, a small Oxfordshire-based provider. By joining full-time in 2008, Hulbert quickly assumed greater responsibility and, by the age of 24, had become a director managing major client accounts. This period gave him insight into frontline operations, client engagement, and the challenges of leading people in a fast-moving environment. When Rollright was acquired by German services firm Bilfinger HSG in 2012, Hulbert gained further experience in large-scale operations, corporate governance, and international business practices, which would later inform his entrepreneurial strategy.
In 2014, Hulbert founded Pareto Facilities Management Ltd, starting the business from his home with a vision to redefine the sector. From the outset, he focused on creating an organisation guided by strong values, transparency, and employee engagement. Hulbert positioned Pareto as an alternative to traditional facilities management providers, emphasising flexibility, ethical practice, and a culture that encouraged contributions from all levels of the business. Under his leadership, Pareto grew into a national provider, serving technology companies, universities, corporate estates, and real estate portfolios. The company introduced over 150 social value and environmental programmes and created hundreds of jobs, demonstrating that growth and social responsibility can coexist effectively.
Private equity investment supported this expansion, beginning with an eighteen-million-pound investment from NVM LLP in 2021, followed by a significant stake acquired by Pictet Alternative Advisors in 2023. By this stage, Pareto had generated more than 200 million pounds in cumulative revenue, delivering strong returns for investors while preserving its commitment to people and culture. In 2023, Hulbert stepped back from day-to-day management and assumed a Non-Executive Director role, continuing as Founder and Vice Chair to guide strategic decision-making.
Hulbert’s commitment to professional development and sector improvement is equally significant. He has been involved with the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management since 2010, volunteering with the Rising FMs network before joining the Board in 2020. His election as Chair of the Board in 2025 made him one of the youngest leaders to hold the position, signalling a generational change in an industry traditionally led by senior figures with long-established careers. Hulbert’s leadership style is characterised by openness, inclusivity, and a focus on outcomes, providing a model for how organisations can evolve to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining professional standards.
Beyond governance, Hulbert has championed initiatives to support diversity and inclusion within the sector. In 2015, he co-founded Tomorrow Meets Today, a social enterprise that connects early-career professionals with senior leaders to provide mentorship, networking, and exposure to opportunities. Over ten years, the initiative has helped hundreds of diverse professionals progress in the industry. Hulbert continues to chair the initiative, securing industry support and ensuring that it remains relevant to emerging talent.
In addition to his professional and philanthropic work, Hulbert is recognised as a speaker, university lecturer, and author. He has contributed to publications such as FM World, FMJ Magazine, PFM Magazine, Facilities Manager, and Tomorrow’s FM. His books, including The Power of Ten and Prickly Pals: Florence and Luca's Forest Friendship, demonstrate a combination of professional insight and creative expression. His achievements have been recognised with more than forty industry awards, highlighting both his personal accomplishments and the success of Pareto Facilities Management under his guidance.
Hulbert’s personal life reflects the same principles he applies professionally. He met his wife, Heather, while studying at the University of Essex, and they married in 2013. They have two children, and his approach to leadership mirrors the values he maintains at home, emphasising responsibility, balance, and long-term planning.
Andrew Hulbert’s leadership at IWFM is widely regarded as a turning point for the sector. His focus on culture, governance, inclusivity, and innovation demonstrates that professional organisations can be both ethical and commercially successful. By combining entrepreneurial insight with a commitment to mentorship and diversity, Hulbert has set a benchmark for future leaders, proving that generational change in leadership can bring both growth and enduring positive impact.