Working with Bill Lloyd in Indonesia: A New Chapter for Asian Tigers
Working with Bill Lloyd in Indonesia
On October 13, 2022, Gerry Lane, founder and owner of Asian Tigers Indonesia, signed a Management Buyout agreement with the long-term managing director of the company, Bill Lloyd. This dramatic transition signals a new chapter for Asian Tigers in Indonesia, which is to formally begin on January 1, 2023. Steve Jordan interviews Bill Lloyd about the future and how the journey reached this defining moment.
The Agreement and Transition
This agreement by Gerry and Virginia Lane with Bill Lloyd, therefore, is a well-planned transition that will uphold the high standards and quality that Asian Tigers Indonesia has fashioned. With Virginia Lane continuing to steer events at Asian Tigers in the Philippines, Bill takes charge of the Indonesian operations. Such is the strategic move that will ascertain continuity and stability for customers and industry partners alike.
To Bill Lloyd, it has been a rewarding journey to this moment. In an interview, Bill reacted to the question about his relationship with Gerry and Virginia; he described them as instrumental in his development. “A big hats off to Gerry and Virginia. They took me under their wing, moulded me, mentored me personally, sent me overseas for training, and reached into their pockets to prepare me for this time,” Bill responded. He did not think, at the time, that this would be an acquisition path, but he recognized the intent of Gerry to build solid management.
Wayfaring Leadership
The early days of Bill were anything but typical for any future business owner, as his passion for surfing and the carefree lifestyle hardly marked him as a potential leader. “Gerry and I had a laugh about that the other day,” Bill recalled. “I was just a surfer boy who wanted time off to ride waves. But Gerry is very pleased with where we are at today, and we will be carrying on his legacy.”
Employee Response and Changes to Come
The employees had been used to this management of the Jakarta operations with little interference from Gerry, so Bill’s leadership sat well. “So what changes?” they asked, indicative of their comfort level with Bill. While the legal entity in the background will, of course, be different and FIDI and OMNI would need to reassess this, the branding of Asian Tigers would remain the same.
Bill is the first new owner of Asian Tigers in many years and expects to work very closely with other Board members, such as Eric Lim, Joseph Song, Allen Fan, and Rob Chipman. “I’ve worked with them before, but it would be an entirely different experience to sit eye-to-eye with them across the table in Board meetings,” said Mr. Hill.
Management Style and Team Dynamics
The management style of Bill is going to differ from that of Gerry in terms of the closeness of the working environment that he envisions between himself and his staff. He sees a team that works “with” an owner, not “for” the owner. This teamwork approach was evident when Bill took the staff for a weekend of glamping that featured activities such as paintballing, rafting, off-roading, and campfire fun.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
He says that he’ll still get in some surfing and golf, even if he’s a little busier. “If there are waves, I’m there; otherwise, it will be a round of golf. But maybe not so many of my weekends will be put into surfing and golfing in the future, said Bill.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Bill feels deep in his heart that he is highly indebted to have been given a chance to head such an established company. “It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” he said. “I am very grateful for Gerry and Virginia. Gerry’s mentorship has been second to none; he’s taken me under his wing and shown me the light.”
In short, the MBO agreement between Gerry Lane and Bill Lloyd is not designedly a business deal but the succession of the legacy born out of mentorship, respect, and mutual trust. With Bill at the helm of the company, the future of Asian Tigers Indonesia is in a bright position with a leader who is more than committed to upholding the esteemed position while creating a cooperative, vibrant work atmosphere.
You can check the interview on The Mover.
