Leadership team

  • A man with grey hair dressed in a suit and tie faces the camera

    Billy Garrett

    Director of Culture, Tourism and Events

    As Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, Billy is responsible for the promotion of Glasgow as a leading cultural and major events centre.

    A key part of Billy’s remit includes directing Glasgow’s Events Strategy, working with local and national agencies, major cultural bodies, and UK and global sports federations to attract world-class events to the city.

    Billy has been involved in the delivery of some of Glasgow’s most high-profile events and their associated cultural programmes, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

    In his role, Billy leads the work of the Glasgow Convention Bureau, which coordinates the city’s bids for more than 100 conferences and business events annually. He also provides leadership across Glasgow Life’s diverse portfolio of arts, music and cultural venues.

  • A headshot of Jan Buchanan, a person with blonde wavy hair wearing a brown and black striped top

    Jan Buchanan

    Director of Finance and Corporate Services

    As Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Jan has strategic responsibility for Glasgow Life’s Finance; HR; Infrastructure; Business and Strategy; Procurement; Development and Retail teams. She is also Glasgow Life’s Company Secretary and her role includes overseeing governance and equalities.


    Alongside the grant funding Glasgow Life receives from Glasgow City Council, we generate income from our cultural and sporting services. Together with our fundraising income, this is reinvested in programmes and activities to support our charitable mission.

    Jan’s role helps Glasgow Life to continue to provide experiences and events across the city, many of which are free, that enrich and enhance Glasgow’s communities.

  • Andrew Olney

    Director of Libraries, Sport and Communities

    As Director of Libraries, Sport and Communities, Andrew’s role focuses on the strategic delivery of Glasgow Life’s highly valued services and activities in communities across the city, as well as Glasgow’s Physical Activity and Sport programme.

    With a wealth of experience through a career spanning more than 30 years in the cultural and sporting sectors, Andrew’s role underpins Glasgow Life’s commitment to improving Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing through the power of culture and sport.