What do you do at WMGC?
I have just joined as Head of Commercial, responsible for three core commercial strands; the team who account manage the Partners West Midlands programme, the team responsible for the attraction of Major Sports and Business Events into the region (along with the Convention Bureau) and additional Sponsorship and Account Management opportunities that have – and will – evolve from the Commonwealth Games various legacy projects.
What do you like about working at WMGC?
I’m only eight days in, but already I’d say that the passionate people and wealth of expertise and potential that sits behind this much-needed organisation are the stand-out features for me.
What is something clients in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
I work across many sectors – and always have – but there are similarities across them in terms of the challenges faced of course. My priorities for all sectors are that they have access to relevant insight, connections and opportunities that support the growth and success of this region. On a personal level, I’d like to find a way to ensure our team’s expertise and our broad intelligence about markets, sectors, activities and plans across the region is shared deep and wide in our Partner businesses reaching members of their teams who find it invaluable. Knowledge isn’t power, sharing intelligence is what drives collaboration, innovation, co-creation and trust – and I’d like to champion that in the work our Partner team do.
Where have you worked in the past/ What’s your background?
I seem to have had a penchant for three letter acronym employers, having worked at the CBI, the NEC (2005-2012), The Russell Partnership (TRP) and most recently Avison Young, formerly GVA (2014-2023), - JLL and JLR watch out!
I have always worked in client facing roles across the various sectors. In the Midlands, I have led business development for both the NEC Group’s £20m+ hospitality division and Avison Young’s Real Estate Management division. I’ve managed and supported marketing, events, sales and business development teams for 20+ years, and I’ve held strategic positions, as right-hand person to the MDs of three previous employers. I am keen to bring experience and expertise to this role and team, while concurrently absorbing intel and insight from some incredibly talented and professional colleagues with deep public and private sector knowledge.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
What book are you reading at the moment?
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. It’s fantastic. Nex up will be Indistractable. Life’s all about balance
What are the values that drive you?
Trust, honesty, hard work, loyalty, communication.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my beautiful five-year-old daughter, my patient hubby and fabulous friends at home and abroad, great food, learning and secretly watching some trash TV.