Private Equity and Purpose: Andrew Hulbert’s Experience Building Pareto

Early Life and Education

Andrew Hulbert’s career demonstrates how entrepreneurial ambition can be combined with social purpose to create a business that delivers both commercial success and measurable impact. Born on September 17, 1986, in Oxford, United Kingdom, Hulbert grew up in Marston and attended The Cherwell School. Between 2000 and 2005, he completed his GCSEs and A Levels, developing an early awareness of leadership, organisation, and how structured environments influence people’s performance. These formative experiences provided a foundation for his future approach to business and professional leadership.

Hulbert went on to study at the University of Essex, graduating in 2008 with a first-class Bachelor of Science degree. To complement his commercial knowledge with practical expertise in the operational side of organisations, he pursued a Master of Science in Facility and Environment Management at University College London in 2012, graduating with distinction.

Career Development and Founding of Pareto Facilities Management

Hulbert began his career in facilities management in 2007 as an intern at Rollright Facilities Ltd, a small Oxfordshire-based provider. After joining the company full-time in 2008, he progressed rapidly and, by the age of 24, became a director responsible for major client accounts. This period allowed him to gain hands-on experience in managing teams, delivering client service, and navigating operational challenges. When Rollright was acquired by the German services firm Bilfinger HSG in 2012, Hulbert gained exposure to larger corporate governance structures and international business practices, further shaping his understanding of organisational scale and accountability.

In 2014, Hulbert took the bold step of founding Pareto Facilities Management Ltd. Starting the business from his home on August 8, he set out to create a company that combined professional rigor with a strong sense of purpose. Rather than focusing solely on rapid expansion, Hulbert emphasised values-led leadership, employee engagement, and ethical business practices. He aimed to establish a facilities management provider that was transparent, client-focused, and people-oriented. This approach set Pareto apart from traditional providers and attracted clients seeking flexibility, trust, and a collaborative approach.

Leadership, Investments, and Social Impact Initiatives

Under Hulbert’s guidance, Pareto expanded steadily, evolving from a small startup into a national provider working with technology companies, universities, corporate estates, and real estate portfolios. Hulbert implemented internal structures that prioritised skills development, open communication, and measurable social outcomes. The company introduced more than 150 social value and environmental programmes and created several hundred jobs, demonstrating that growth can be achieved responsibly and sustainably.

Pareto’s performance and values led to interest from private equity investors. In 2021, NVM LLP completed an investment of eighteen million pounds, supporting the next phase of development and the professionalisation of Pareto’s systems and operations. A further investment followed in 2023 when Pictet Alternative Advisors acquired a significant stake in the business. These transactions allowed Pareto to scale effectively while maintaining its commitment to culture, ethics, and social impact. By this time, the company had generated cumulative revenue of more than 200 million pounds, delivering strong returns for investors and ensuring that employees shared in the business's success. In 2023, Hulbert stepped back from daily management responsibilities and moved into a Non-Executive Director role, while continuing as Founder and Vice Chair. This transition reflected a thoughtful approach to leadership and governance, ensuring continuity while enabling professional management to lead operational decisions.

Hulbert has been active in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management since 2010, supporting initiatives such as the Rising FMs network before joining the IWFM Board in 2020. In July 2025, he was elected Chair of the Board, becoming one of the youngest individuals to hold the position.

Hulbert has also co-founded Tomorrow Meets Today, a social enterprise designed to promote diversity and inclusion within the facilities management sector. Established in 2015, the initiative connects early-career professionals with established senior leaders through structured networking events and mentorship opportunities. By 2025, the programme had run annually for ten years, supporting hundreds of professionals from diverse backgrounds and creating meaningful industry connections. Hulbert has served as chair of the initiative, guiding its development and securing the sector's ongoing support.

Personal Life

Hulbert’s personal life reflects his professional philosophy. He met his wife, Heather, while studying at the University of Essex. They married in 2013 and have two children. His emphasis on balance, long-term planning, and responsibility is evident in both his personal and professional approach.