Annie Warburton
CEO, The Goldsmiths’ Company
With a wealth of experience in arts, culture and the creative industries, I can advise Newnham students and graduates curious about creative career paths. The cultural world can seem opaque and impenetrable but as one of the fastest growing sectors, opportunities are burgeoning. I’m friendly and easy going. If you’re interested these fields, I’d love to demystify them for you.
In January 2024, I joined The Goldsmiths’ Company, a City of London guild and charity, as the first female CEO in their almost 700-year history.
Alongside this, I regularly write, publish and present on culture, design and innovation. I’m a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, on the council of Creative UK, an advisor to the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, and an Associate at the Art Workers Guild. I also guest tutor at the Royal College of Art.
Previously, I was CEO at Cockpit Arts, an award-winning social enterprise supporting 170 independent creative businesses in London. It is recognised as a UK top 100 social enterprise on the NatWest SE100 index, and won the 2023 UK Social Enterprise Award for Impact.
Before that, I was creative director at the Crafts Council, where I directed exhibitions, international shows, innovation and education programmes, as well as research and policy.
I’ve worked in the creative sector throughout my career, with roles in publishing, digital business, and public policy. At different stages of my career, I’ve worked for big firms and small, for the private sector and public agencies, and as a freelancer.
Throughout I’ve been committed to dissolving the barriers that can stand in the way of talent. I’ve coached and mentored many hundreds of creative people as well as transformed cultural organisations as leader and creative director.
I’m happy to share advice and experience on working in the arts and creative industries and on the brilliance of a philosophy degree as grounding for life.
Instagram and X: @anniebonne
LinkedIn: Annie Warburton | LinkedIn
