John Manchester, one of the prime movers behind the Gibson Technology, and prior to that Zytek, concern stepped into a well deserved retirement yesterday.
This statement was released by the company earlier today:
“Yesterday, we said a heartfelt farewell to our Advisory Director, John Manchester, who officially begins his well‑deserved retirement from Gibson Technology.
John has been an integral part of Gibson, and its earlier chapters, for more than 45 years. His journey began back in 1979 at Alan Smith Racing, which was purchased by Bill Gibson, Zytek Engineering in 1987 and has evolved into the Gibson Technology we know today.
Starting his career as an engine technician, John progressed through a remarkable series of roles that reflected both his talent and his commitment. He became Production Manager, then Engineering Manager, later serving many years as Operations Director, before taking on his most recent position as Advisory Director.
Across every chapter of his career, John has had an enormous and lasting impact on the company. His deep technical knowledge, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication have shaped our capabilities, culture, and the success of countless programmes over the decades.
We are incredibly grateful for everything John has contributed throughout his career, and we wish him a long, happy, and truly well-deserved retirement.”
John’s time with the company spans a number of successful eras, from the pioneering hybrid tech of the Panoz Q9, through their success in LMP2 and LMP1 chassis manufacture, and into the current era of LMP2 engines.
But there was so much more too including Group C engine management that helped Jaguar to success at Le Mans, Daytona and in the World Sportscar Championship, single seater engines in a wide variety of formulae including successful spells as the control engine supplier for F3000, A1 GP and Formula Renault 3.5.
The company, and John’s roles within it evolved substantially through over four and a half decades together but throughout John has been the consumate pro, always ready to explain a technical nuance – even to this intellectually enforced Luddite!
So thanks John – and enjoy a quieter time ahead from all at DSC
