This International Women’s Day, Horizon Power Solutions is proud to celebrate one of our own Jilly Addis, Managing Director and part owner of the business. Her journey through manufacturing, construction and leadership is a powerful example of resilience, progression and purpose.

From Psychology to Industry

Jilly began her academic journey at the University of Leicester, where she completed a degree in Psychology with an initial ambition to pursue a career in the field. However, like many careers, her path evolved once she stepped into the world of work.

In 2005, she joined a lighting manufacturer in Doncaster, a role that would become the foundation of her professional development for the next 15 years. Starting as a Customer Service Advisor, Jilly quickly demonstrated her capability and ambition, progressing through a variety of roles including Commercial Analyst, Bid Manager, Business Improvement Manager and Account Manager.

Each position added another layer to her commercial understanding, operational expertise and leadership capability. It was a formative period that shaped the skillset she brings to Horizon today.

It was during her time as an Account Manager that Jilly first met Tom Griffin, now CEO and owner of Horizon Power Group. At the time, Tom and his business partner owned Cor Energy, and Jilly managed their account from 2014 onwards, building not only a strong working relationship but a foundation of mutual trust and respect that would later shape her career.

Stepping Into Construction & Leadership

In 2022, Jilly made the move into the construction and contracting sector, joining Cor Energy and progressing to Operations Director during her time there. Her leadership journey continued, culminating in her role today as Managing Director and part owner, of Horizon Power Solutions, a milestone that reflects both her contribution and belief in the business.

Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

Having built her career across both manufacturing and construction, Jilly has spent much of her professional life in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

While she notes that she has been fortunate overall, she has also faced moments of misogyny that serve as reminders that equality in business is still evolving, and those experiences serve as reminders that women in business often face additional barriers beyond the usual commercial pressures.

“Working in male-dominated industries has taught me resilience and self-belief. There are times when you have to work harder to be heard or taken seriously — but those challenges have shaped me as a leader. I’m passionate about building environments where capability and contribution matter more than gender.”

It is perhaps for this reason that workplace culture holds such importance for her. At Horizon, fostering a supportive, respectful and empowering environment is not just a business priority, it is a personal one.

Giving Back Beyond Business

Outside of Horizon, Jilly’s naturally caring nature drives her to contribute beyond the boardroom. Last year, she became a school governor at a local primary school, a role that provides a very different perspective from the construction industry and allows her to support others in a meaningful way.

It’s a reflection of the balanced leadership she brings to Horizon: commercially astute, operationally experienced, but always grounded in people and purpose.

Marking International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only Jilly’s achievements but also the wider contribution of women across manufacturing, construction and leadership.

At Horizon Power Solutions, we are proud to champion an inclusive workplace culture and to recognise the women who continue to shape our business and industry for the better.

Jilly’s journey is proof that careers do not need to follow a straight line, they evolve through opportunity, resilience, relationships and the courage to step forward.

And we’re proud that her journey is part of ours.