Key Points
- Glasgow Life, the charity managing the city’s art and sport venues, is recruiting a new Director of Culture and Events.
- The role offers a salary of up to £121,000 per year and involves planning major exhibitions and sporting events.
- Long-serving director Billy Garrett is retiring at the end of 2026 after more than 30 years with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, with his last day on 3 December 2026.
- Garrett played a key role in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and subsequent events like the 2018 European Championships, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
- Recruitment process has begun, with applications closing on 31 May 2026.
- Billy Garrett’s career progression: Started at Citizens Theatre in 1988, moved to Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1991, joined Glasgow City Council in 1993, became Sports Operations Manager in 2006, Head of Sport in 2015, Director of Sport and Events in 2017, and Director of Culture, Tourism and Events in 2022.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 4, 2026 – Glasgow Life is advertising for a new Director of Culture and Events to replace retiring director Billy Garrett, who has overseen major cultural and sporting successes including the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The position, which carries a salary of up to nearly £121,000 annually, will lead the planning and organisation of major exhibitions and sporting events across the city . Glasgow Life, the charity responsible for the city’s art and sport venues, announced the recruitment as Garrett prepares to step down after a distinguished career spanning over three decades.
Who Is Billy Garrett and Why Is He Retiring?
Billy Garrett, current Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, is set to retire on Thursday, 3 December 2026, marking the end of more than 30 years with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council.
As reported in the official Glasgow Life announcement, Billy Garrett’s career began at the Citizens Theatre in 1988, where he progressed to Theatre Operations Manager. He then moved to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in 1991 as Business and Public Relations Manager.
In 1993, Garrett joined Glasgow City Council as Principal Operations Manager for Performing Arts, later becoming Community Facilities Manager in 2000. He transitioned to Sports Operations Manager in 2006 and became part of Glasgow Life upon its formation in 2007.
Garrett was appointed Head of Sport in 2015, Director of Sport and Events in 2017, and elevated to Director of Culture, Tourism and Events in September 2022. His tenure has been marked by leadership in high-profile events that positioned Glasgow as a global destination for culture and sport.
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!”.
What Does the New Director Role Entail?
The new Director of Culture and Events will step into Garrett’s role, promoting Glasgow as a leading cultural and major events centre. Responsibilities include directing Glasgow’s Events Strategy, partnering with local and national agencies, major cultural bodies, and global sports federations to attract world-class events.
As detailed on the Glasgow Life leadership page, the director oversees a diverse portfolio of arts, music, and cultural venues, alongside major events delivery. The role is full-time and permanent, with applications closing on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Interested candidates are directed to the recruitment partners’ website for full details on the application process, as stated in the Glasgow Life news release.
The salary range aligns with senior leadership positions in the sector, up to £121,000 per year, reflecting the scope of influence on Glasgow’s cultural landscape.
What Achievements Define Billy Garrett’s Tenure?
Garrett was instrumental in bringing the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, described as one of the most successful Games ever held. This event, which he helped deliver as part of the team, significantly elevated the city’s international profile.
Subsequent achievements under his leadership include the 2018 European Championships, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Garrett also contributed to strategies enhancing culture and tourism, drawing visitors to the city.
In a 2022 interview snippet reported by STV News, Billy Garrett, then Director of Sport and Events at Glasgow Life, stated the 2014 Games
“really put Glasgow on the sporting map”.
His work extends to ongoing preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, providing senior responsibility alongside the SFA for UEFA EURO 2028.
Earlier, in a Sports Management magazine feature by Kate Cracknell, Garrett discussed Glasgow Life’s focus on sport and physical activity, noting consistent investment over 10-20 years predating the 2014 Games.
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.”.
How Does Glasgow Life Operate in Culture and Events?
Glasgow Life operates as a charity funded by Glasgow City Council grants, alongside income from cultural and sporting services and fundraising, which is reinvested into community programmes. Under leaders like Garrett, it has managed venues and events that enrich communities, many free of charge.
The leadership team includes Chief Executive Kay Morrison, who joined in July 2025 from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, bringing over 20 years of experience. Jan Buchanan serves as Director of Finance and Corporate Services.
Garrett’s role specifically advanced Glasgow as an events hub, working on projects like the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, completing a full circle from 2014.
The charity’s efforts align with broader strategies, such as Glasgow’s Culture Strategy 2024–2030, where related roles like Head of Arts and Music support inclusive programmes.
Background of the Development
Billy Garrett’s retirement follows a career deeply embedded in Glasgow’s cultural evolution. His involvement began in theatre and performing arts in the late 1980s, shifting to sports operations amid preparations for major events like the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The formation of Glasgow Life in 2007 consolidated these efforts under one charity, enabling coordinated delivery of culture, sport, and events. Garrett’s promotions reflect growing responsibilities as Glasgow hosted successive international spectacles, building infrastructure and expertise that persist today. This leadership transition occurs amid anticipation for Glasgow 2026, underscoring the continuity in the city’s events ambition.
Prediction: Impact on Glasgow’s Cultural and Events Sector
This development can affect Glasgow’s cultural and events professionals, venues staff, and local artists by introducing new leadership to steer events strategy post-2026 Commonwealth Games. The incoming director will influence partnerships with sports federations and cultural bodies, potentially shaping funding allocation and programme priorities for exhibitions and championships.
For city residents and visitors, it may determine the scale and accessibility of future free community events, as the role oversees reinvestment of service incomes. Sector workers could experience shifts in operational approaches, given Garrett’s partnership-focused legacy, while job opportunities like the directorship highlight demand for experienced talent in a competitive field. Ongoing projects such as UEFA EURO 2028 preparations suggest sustained activity, with the new appointee building on established competencies.
