For every great leader, there is a driving force that shapes the way they work. For Dean Williams, Avonmouth Asphalt Plant Manager, that driving force is helping others succeed.

Dean joined John Wainwright & Co. Ltd in January 2026, bringing with him a wealth of operational and commercial experience, alongside a genuine passion for developing people. Throughout his career, he has taken pride in creating opportunities for colleagues to progress, believing that investing in individuals is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Reflecting on his previous experience, Dean said: “I’m proud of the fact that, during my time as a Store Manager for a Building Merchants, I developed eight members of my team from shift workers into store managers in their own right. There is nothing more rewarding than building a team and watching the people within it grow.” That passion for leadership was a key reason behind his decision to join Wainwright.

Having previously worked as Plant Manager and Commercial Manager before moving into an Area Manager role at a competitor, Dean enjoyed the commercial side of the business but found himself missing operational management. “When I saw the opportunity with Wainwright, I was excited by the chance to lead a team again and work together to deliver success,” he explained. “From what I already knew about Wainwright, it felt like the right place to do that.”

Originally trained as a plumber, Dean has always enjoyed the mechanical and technical aspects of engineering. Returning to plant operations has allowed him to put those skills back into practice, combining hands-on problem solving with strategic leadership.

His operational credentials speak for themselves. In a previous role, Dean helped improve plant availability from 68% to 97% through a strong focus on preventative maintenance. “If you look after a plant, it will look after you,” he said. Joining Wainwright has also reinforced the company’s strong reputation within the industry.

“When I worked for the competition, we knew how well Wainwright ran its operations and the quality of the materials it produced. It’s great to now be part of that team, and I really value the trust and autonomy we’re given to run the plant in the best way for our people and our customers.”

Outside of work, Dean enjoys spending more time at home with his wife and young daughter, alongside his interests in Formula One, golf and PC gaming.

Looking ahead, Dean is excited about what the future holds. “I’m so pleased to have made this move and feel very fulfilled. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds – for me and the whole Avonmouth team.”

At Wainwright, we’re proud to have leaders like Dean who understand that investing in people is just as important as investing in our operations. We look forward to seeing him and the Avonmouth team continue to grow together.