Meet the Faces
Behind the Work
At James Lister & Sons, our leadership team represents six generations of commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. With deep-rooted values that date back to our founding in 1874, our leaders balance tradition with modern expertise to guide the company into the future.
Drawing on a wealth of industry experience and a shared passion for excellence, they ensure that we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions while staying true to the values that have defined our success for nearly 150 years. Under their stewardship, James Lister & Sons remains focused on growth, sustainability, and exceptional service.

CEO
Peter Davies
Dr. Peter Davies, CEO of James Lister & Sons, brings an extensive background in engineering and business management. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Warwick, and a Doctorate in Organisational Development from Middlesex University. A Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Peter has spent his career in manufacturing and engineering, excelling in operations, sales, and general management across various business disciplines. Before joining Lister in 2010, Peter led international sales and operations for divisions with up to 450 employees, overseeing activities in regions including the UK, USA, India, and Southeast Asia. He has been involved in eight successful acquisitions, three of which were at Lister, and has executed large-scale factory relocations and new builds globally. In addition to his work at Lister, Peter co-chairs the Manufacturing Assembly Network and serves on advisory boards for Birmingham City University and the Made Smarter West Midlands Steering Group. Under his leadership at Lister, the company continues to thrive, maintaining its long-term growth and success.

Chariman
Tim Cotterill
Tim Cotterill, Chairman of Lister Fluid Power, has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and innovation since 1985. Starting on the shop floor, he gained hands-on product expertise before spearheading the modernisation of business operations through cutting-edge technology. Tim led the implementation of enterprise resource planning systems and streamlined processes during the integration of multiple acquisitions, significantly improving operational efficiency. Promoted to the JLS Board in 1996, Tim assumed leadership of IT and financial systems, aligning diverse operations with strategic goals. As Chairman and Financial Director since 2013, he has focused on mentoring teams, enhancing business systems, and steering the company toward sustained success. His leadership in facilitating shareholder transitions and overseeing major upgrades exemplifies his vision and commitment to excellence.

Director
Mike Cotterill
Mike began his career with a degree in Computer Aided Engineering and initially worked as a Valve Design Engineer at the TI Group. Joining Lister in 1994, he applied his technical expertise in the valve and motorsport manufacturing divisions, gaining valuable insights into product quality and safety. In 2000, Mike led the implementation of a new IT system in response to the millennium bug, working with Tim to streamline processes and enhance customer service. He also spearheaded the creation of Lister's first physical catalogue, covering over 40,000 products—many of which remain available on the company’s ecommerce platform today. In 2010, Mike, alongside Richard, Tim, and Peter, assumed full ownership of the business, marking a new chapter for the family. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was instrumental in upgrading the company’s ERP system, improving data management and operational efficiency. Currently, Mike leads various customer-facing projects, leveraging his experience in system integration and product data to drive innovative solutions. His focus on quality and technology ensures Lister continues to deliver industry-leading products and services.

Director - Fluid Power
Craig Thomas
With over 32 years of experience in the fluid power industry, Craig has built an exceptional career, characterized by steady growth, leadership, and expertise. Beginning at just 16 years old, Craig entered the industry in 1992 with Winster Industrial Hose, where the foundations of a long and successful career were laid. By 1994, Craig joined JW Hydraulics, quickly establishing a reputation for technical proficiency and leadership. When JW Hydraulics was acquired by James Lister in 1996, Craig remained an integral part of the business, adapting to the changes brought about by the acquisition while continuing to thrive in the dynamic fluid power sector. Over the years, Craig has worked across various roles, demonstrating a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the industry. For 7 years, Craig worked as a mobile hydraulic and pneumatic engineer, where hands-on expertise in problem-solving and client service laid the groundwork for future leadership roles. This was followed by 14 years as Branch Manager for the Mobile Hose Division. Under Craig's leadership, the mobile van fleet expanded from 4 to 10, and turnover grew to exceed £1.5 million, showcasing the ability to manage operations, drive growth, and lead teams effectively. Following this success, Craig spent 9 years as General Manager, further honing strategic and operational leadership skills, before moving into a role as Fluid Power Director. In this capacity, Craig oversees the fluid power division’s success, driving continued growth and ensuring its competitive edge in the marketplace. Throughout the course of this extensive career, Craig has managed accounts for a range of key clients, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies, demonstrating a wide-ranging ability to meet diverse customer needs. Today, Craig stands as a respected figure in the fluid power industry, combining deep technical knowledge with proven leadership in both operational and strategic roles.

General Manager - Tube Division
Alan Medforth
Alan Medforth brings over 45 years of expertise in tube manipulation, with experience spanning industries such as hydraulics, agriculture, automotive, furniture, offshore, and the Ministry of Defence. His career began at age 17 with BWL, where he rose through roles in production, quality inspection, and operations management, including overseeing brake pipe production for Jaguar Land Rover. Alan’s leadership journey accelerated when he joined Hose & Engineering to integrate tube manipulation into their hydraulic business. Under his management, the division achieved over £1 million in annual revenue within five years. Following the acquisition of Hose & Engineering by Stauff UK in 2000, Alan rebuilt the team and grew turnover to £3 million per year by 2011. In 2011, Alan joined James Lister & Sons to establish a tube manipulation division within their hydraulic and industrial supplies businesses. As General Manager, he has been instrumental in growing the division to £2 million in annual revenue. Alan oversees production, quality, and business development, ensuring operational excellence and long-term success.

QEHS and Facilities Manager
Rob Cotterill
As a 6th-generation member of the Lister family business, Rob Cotterill brings a deep-rooted understanding of the company’s operations, underpinned by a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience. After earning a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from Nottingham University, Rob embarked on a comprehensive journey through the business, gaining firsthand experience in key operational areas. Rob began his career on the shop floor with hose assembly, progressed through despatch, and transitioned into key account management, where he honed his expertise in the full product lifecycle, including purchasing, assembly, quoting, and sales. This hands-on progression provided Rob with an invaluable perspective on the company’s processes, forming the basis of his current role as QEHS and Facilities Manager. In this position, Rob oversees operations across six sites, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards. His focus on continuous improvement drives operational performance while maintaining the company’s commitment to quality, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety. Leveraging his in-depth knowledge of internal processes, Rob has been instrumental in implementing systems that enhance efficiency and align with strategic goals.

Finance & HR Manager
Charlotte Cotterill
Charlotte Cotterill, a 6th-generation member of the Lister family, plays an integral role in the management team at Lister Fluid Power. Charlotte began her academic journey at the University of Nottingham, earning a Law LLB degree, which laid a solid foundation for her analytical and organisational skills. Following her graduation, she joined the family business as a Finance Clerk, where she gained hands-on experience in the financial operations of the company. Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth, Charlotte pursued the ACCA Chartered Accountancy qualification, completing an intensive program of 13 exams in 2022. This achievement not only highlighted her dedication to excellence but also equipped her with advanced financial and strategic management skills. Upon completing her ACCA qualification, Charlotte assumed the role of Finance Manager, taking on a wide range of responsibilities. These include overseeing company-wide import and export processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and optimizing operational efficiencies. In addition, she played a pivotal role in implementing a new ERP system, a transformative initiative that streamlined and automated the company’s finance functions. In August 2022, Charlotte expanded her portfolio to include HR management responsibilities and payroll functions, showcasing her versatility and leadership within the organisation. Her multifaceted contributions continue to drive Lister Fluid Power’s success and operational excellence.