Adrian has been part of JET for nearly 20 years. We use Adrian’s knowledge of working at hundreds of shows at many different venues to solve even the most unexpected of issues! Let’s find more about him…

When did you join JET?

January 2004

What have been your impressions of the events industry?

A variety of adjectives describe my thoughts on the business. Varied, evolving, team building, challenging, frustrating (at times) and ultimately rewarding.

If you were going to run an event, what would it be?

I am passionate about the outdoors and the environment, specifically the detrimental effect of human beings on the planet. It would be a conference called ‘One Planet Earth’ incorporating these themes with speakers sharing their knowledge and explaining what we must do to ensure the survival of the planet for future generations.

First song bought?

That was a long time ago but I reckon it was possibly the single ‘Crazy Horses’ by the Osmond brothers. My first LP was either ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac or ‘Breakfast in America’ by Super Tramp.

The song you’d sing at karaoke?

‘I’ve Had the Time of my Life’ – my wedding day dance with my wife Su.

Worst job you’ve had (hopefully not this one 😉)?

I have only had 2 jobs in my career, military pilot and registration manager for this company. I have enjoyed both challenges but possibly the worst (least favourite) secondary duty I had was when I was Officer in Charge of the Station Magazine at RAF Brize Norton. With a small team I had to edit and produce a 70 page magazine of varied content on a monthly basis. With tight deadlines and the continual pressure of generating interesting topics and stories it was a repeating challenge. It was also a high visibility production that could generate a lot of interest from Senior Officers if they disapproved of a topic.

Favourite Film?

I was a military enthusiast and historian from a young age and I aspired to be a RAF pilot when I was at primary school. One film I continue to return to is ‘The Longest Day’, the story of the D-Day landings.

Who would play you in a movie?

Either one of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon or George Clooney. I was serving in Turkey as the VC10 Detachment Commander as part of Operation Northern Watch, the protection of the Iraqi no fly zone above the 36th parallel. We would deploy our force of aircraft to this area, where my role was to refuel RAF Jaguars and USAF EA6B Prowlers. The European Premiere of Ocean’s Eleven was held at the airbase in Incirlik. On a memorable day I helped show each of these stars (and Julia Roberts) around the aircraft we operated to enforce the Operation.

Favourite Food?

Christmas dinner and all the trimmings.

Favourite Drink?

Botanist Gin and a quality Fever-Tree tonic.

Favourite Holiday/Place to go on holiday?

Kenya and specifically the Samburu National Reserve north of Nairobi. Su and I went there on our honeymoon and we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the countryside, the friendliness of the people and the abundance of wildlife. We have returned with our children and shared our love of this country with them.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

Back to Kenya.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Walking in the Cotswolds, learning to play the piano much to the annoyance of Su, my wife and my 3 cats Bertie, Blue and Tilly. I am also a keen photographer and family man.

What one thing could you never give up?

The determination to carry on when everything appears to be going against you.

Your biggest achievement?

Gaining my fast jet wings at RAF Valley.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

Played football with Bobby Moore when I was at primary school.