Thank You, Pete!
After 49 years of working life, the last 12 of them here at Blue Sky, we recently said goodbye to Peter Brown, as he stepped into his well-earned retirement.
Known to many of us in the team as “Sticky Pete,” he’s long been the glue that held the company together, with his quiet consistency, practical wisdom, and deep loyalty shaping the very heart of our business. Over the years, Pete has played a key part in almost every operational role within the business, supporting our team through countless changes and always bringing a sense of calm, clarity and warmth to the day-to-day.
Pete’s career began in 1976 at Gresham Life Assurance. He then spent over 30 years in the Leisure Industry before joining Blue Sky in 2013. What followed was a significant chapter, for both him and us. His wealth of experience, his ease with people, and his ability to lead with encouragement helped guide the business through important phases of growth. He was always a team player, believing in the strengths and potential of others, and constantly looking for ways to blend skills and personalities into something greater than the sum of its parts.
As our CEO, Gary Neild, reflects:
“It’s been great working with Pete. He’s a top bloke and has always ‘had my back’ as I’ve strived to create a dynamic and caring environment. He’ll be missed by me and the whole Blue Sky team, but certainly not forgotten.”
The professional journey between Pete and Gary goes back further than Blue Sky. They first met at college in Liverpool in the early 80s, never imagining they’d end up working together in financial services on the South Coast. But that’s the magic of long friendships and shared values. Over the years, Pete became an integral figure at Blue Sky, helping to evolve and refine our internal operations, bring in fresh thinking, and mentoring the people around him.
Our COO, Lesley Keets, shared:
“Working with Pete over the last couple of years has been a real pleasure. From day one, he made me feel welcome and was always generous with his knowledge and time. We shared plenty of laughs and a mutual love of fitness, which sparked many great conversations. I’ll miss our weekly catch-ups, but I wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
In true Pete style, his retirement was phased gradually, allowing time for a thoughtful handover and a seamless transition. We’re delighted that Johanna Payne Knauf has stepped into a newly created role as Operations Officer, bringing her own brilliance to the systems and structures Pete helped shape.
As he now turns his full attention to family, fitness, church and a life away from spreadsheets and schedules, we want to say an enormous thank you. Pete, you’ve left an indelible mark on Blue Sky – and we’re better for it.
Enjoy the adventures ahead.
