Smooth Leadership Succession Planned for Alliance Distribution Services (ADS) on retirement of Phill Knight

After over 20 years leading Alliance Distribution Services (ADS), Phill Knight, Distribution Director has decided that it is time to retire. Phill will be stepping down after all year end activity has been completed in early January 2022.

This allows a six-month transition for incoming Distribution Director, Shamus Gilchrist, who will begin in mid-June 2021. This significant investment in a smooth succession is designed to maintain the high levels of service that ADS is renowned for, especially during the critical Christmas book sales season.

Shamus Gilchrist brings a wealth of experience and business exposure perfected across a wide variety of supply chain and distribution businesses with a focus on customers and high performing teams. Shamus is a specialist in systems, processes and people delivering wholesale, retail and direct-to-consumer models across tier one organisations in FMCG, health and construction including Telstra, Queensland Health, Hilti and more recently specialised services for healthcare equipment into retail and customer homes across Australia.

Louise Sherwin-Stark, CEO Hachette ANZ has paid tribute to Phill Knight’s service, “Phill’s commitment to outstanding service levels, his dedication to supporting the great team at ADS, his great relationships with client publishers and booksellers, and his strategic investment to support growth have been exceptional. He has been an incredibly important member of the Hachette ANZ board since 2009, sharing his experience while keeping a cool head to enable us to take the company forward and meet changing market and pandemic conditions.”

Phill Knight said, “It is with some trepidation but much satisfaction and pride, that I announce this year will be my last as Distribution Director for Alliance Distribution Services. I joined Alliance Distribution Services in January 2001 and the past 20 years have been an exciting and constantly evolving experience. I was extremely fortunate to inherit such a committed and supportive team at ADS. Their passion and commitment are still as strong today, for our publishers, booksellers and each other.

“This century has witnessed significant change and the impact on supply chain has been immense, but we have continued to grow and achieved much over the last 20 years. Joining the Hachette ANZ Board in 2009 following the Hachette acquisition of ADS, has been a highlight for me. Working closely with such a clever and creative but extraordinarily supportive team, has made for an enjoyable and fulfilling career within the industry.

“My time in the supply side of the publishing industry, is underscored by the many passionate, articulate, and genuinely caring people within, from Publishers to Distribution (and logistics partners) and our booksellers. ADS is very fortunate to represent a fantastic array of brilliant publishing companies within Australia and New Zealand. It is a great privilege to work and collaborate alongside all our publishing clients. I greatly value my relationships with these publishers.

“The opportunity to contribute to the exciting and successful launches of so many books including the Harry Potter series, Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series, books from Peter FitzSimons, the Treehouse series, and so many more wonderful books has been a thrill.”

Louise Sherwin-Stark said, “we believe Shamus is the right person to lead the team at ADS and contribute at the Hachette Australia board level. We know that Shamus will deliver outstanding service levels and continue to grow the business - building on the excellent foundations laid down by Phill and his team by bringing new ideas and experience.”

Shamus Gilchrist said, “Building on the strengths, significant achievements and legacy of Phill Knight and partnering with the greater team at ADS I am genuinely excited to join a customer-centric business that aims to be the best of breed for both the end customer and empower publishers to achieve their goals.”