EOT adviser in London

John Gellet – Tenzing Partnership

John Gellet is a business adviser, NED and executive coach with over 35 years of commercial experience working with founders, CEOs and MDs across a broad range of sectors. Through Tenzing Partnership, John supports business leaders on strategy, leadership development and significant business decisions – including ownership transitions. He is well connected in the London business community and brings an extensive network alongside his advisory expertise.

EOT expertise

With his broad commercial background and experience of working closely with founders at pivotal moments in their business journey, John is well placed to help leaders think through whether an EOT is the right route. He runs two London-based Vistage peer groups, one for founders, CEOs and MDs of established businesses, and one for scale-up leaders. These give him a unique view of the challenges and decisions facing business owners at every stage of growth. That breadth of perspective informs how he approaches EOT advisory: understanding not just the transaction, but the leadership and organisational context around it.

Qualifications and background

John has worked with venture capital investors including Hutton Collins and Lloyds Development Capital, supporting portfolio businesses through transformation and onto successful exit. He currently works with over 25 CEO and MD clients on an ongoing basis, spanning sectors including law, manufacturing, creative agencies, management consulting, events and hospitality.

How John works with Go EO

John works alongside Go EO to support founders considering an EOT sale. Go EO handles the technical transaction: valuation, legal documentation, tax clearance and trust registration. John's role is the strategic and leadership layer, helping founders think through whether employee ownership is right for them, preparing the business and its people for a successful transition, and drawing on his extensive network and advisory experience to support them through one of the most significant decisions of their professional lives.

What is an Employee Ownership Trust?

In a traditional business sale, shares are sold directly to another person, company or investor. With an EOT, ownership is indirect: the trust holds the shares, while employees benefit from the long-term success of the business without personally holding or selling shares.

Why sell your business to an EOT?

For many founders, an EOT is about more than just exit. It can be a way to protect what they have built, preserve the culture of the business and keep the company independent. For businesses with strong teams, loyal clients and local roots, that can be a powerful alternative to a trade sale.