Glasgow Life Director Billy Garrett to retire after 30 years
Our Director, Billy Garrett, is retiring later this year after more than 30 years with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council. His last day will be Thursday 3 December.
Billy's career spans nearly two decades at Glasgow Life and some of the city's most ambitious projects. He was part of the team that brought the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, one of the most successful games ever held. Since then, he's led the delivery of world-class events including the 2018 European Championships, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and strategies that bring culture and visitors to Glasgow.
Billy joined the Citizens Theatre in 1988, during his time there he progressed into the role of Theatre Operations Manager before moving to the Royal Scottish Academy for Music and Drama in 1991 as its Business and Public Relations Manager.
In 1993, his career with Glasgow City Council began joining as Principal Operations Manager for Performing Arts before moving to become Community Facilities Manager in 2000. Billy moved in 2006 to become Sports Operations manager and became part of Glasgow Life when the charity was formed in 2007.
He was appointed Head of Sport in 2015, Director of Sport and Events in 2017, and Director of Culture, Tourism and Events in 2022.
Billy will finish his career with Glasgow Life working on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing his experience full circle, 12 years after the 2014 Games changed Glasgow forever.
Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, said: "I have been incredibly lucky to work in creative and impactful organisations, be involved in amazing programmes, projects and events, and work alongside so many inspiring people. It has been an absolute privilege, and there has never been a dull moment. I will miss making the case and advocating for this great city, but most of all, I will miss the people who make up Glasgow Life. Here’s to your continued success!"
Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: "Billy has been integral to so many of Glasgow Life's achievements. His belief in what Glasgow can achieve and his passion for partnership have been fundamental to making our city a place where people want to live, work and visit. He will be greatly missed."
We wish Billy all the very best for his retirement. The recruitment for our new Director of Culture and Events has started. If you are interested in finding out more about the role and the application process, please visit our recruitment partners’ website: Director of Culture and Events job advert