Jackie Boughton, director of commercial at the Barbican, will step back from her full-time role in September after 12 years with the London venue.
Boughton will continue with the Barbican as executive consultant, innovation and growth. In the role, she will work with Chief Executive Abigail Pogson and the wider team on business events, client engagement, market research, advocacy, and commercial growth.
Boughton moves into consulting role
Boughton joined the Barbican in 2014 as head of business events and later became director of commercial.
During her time with the venue, she helped grow business events and commercial activity, including bars and catering. Her work contributed to more than £80 million in revenue for the Barbican and City of London Corporation.
She also helped position the Barbican for conferences, meetings, corporate events, filming, hospitality, and brand experiences.
Career includes venues, hotels, and events
Boughton’s career spans hotels, agencies, destinations, and major venues. Earlier, she worked in the leisure and travel trade, including tour operators, ground handlers, and travel agencies.
She was also one of the first women to serve as a board director in a privately owned hotel and apartment group. In addition, she worked on hotel global distribution systems, customer service training programs, and the pre-opening and mobilization of Wembley Stadium with Delaware North.
Boughton will continue her industry work as a board director of the Association of Event Venues and Drumworks. She also serves on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) UK & Ireland Executive Committee.
Barbican credits Boughton’s impact
“Jackie has made an exceptional contribution to the Barbican over the last 12 years,” says Abigail Pogson, chief executive of the Barbican. “Her work has helped us grow our commercial offer, strengthen our position in the business events market and build long-lasting relationships across London, the UK and internationally.”
Pogson says Boughton’s market knowledge will remain useful as the Barbican plans its next phase of commercial growth.
“The Barbican is a very special place, and it has been a privilege to work with such talented, committed and creative colleagues over the last 12 years,” Boughton says. “I am incredibly proud of what the commercial team has achieved, not only in terms of growth and revenue, but in the way they support clients, audiences, artists and partners with care, integrity and imagination.”
Tracy Halliwell, director of tourism, conventions and major events at London & Partners, says Boughton has been an advocate for London’s business events sector.
“Her work at the Barbican has helped showcase not only one of the capital’s most iconic venues, but also the strength, creativity and international appeal of London as a destination for meetings, conferences and events,” Halliwell says.
The Barbican’s commercial venue team will continue under its senior leadership team, with Boughton supporting the transition in her advisory role.
About Barbican Business Events
The Barbican is a conference and international arts venue located in the City of London. The venue can host meetings for 10 to 2,000 delegates in its concert hall, theaters, conference suites, and boardrooms. Built as part of London’s Barbican development, the venue officially opened in March 1982. Barbican Business Events connects the venue’s arts, creative learning, and corporate event expertise. For more info, visit [verify website].
Press release submitted by Soaring Worldwide. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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