Cockpit Chief Executive to depart

ANNIE WARBURTON is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer at Cockpit in December following a five-year tenure. 

She leaves the craft centre to take up the role of Clerk and CEO at the Goldsmiths’ Company, where she will be the first female to hold the position in the organisation’s history.

A cultural leader, creative director and social entrepreneur, Warburton specialises in contemporary craft and design. She is also a writer, broadcaster, and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art (RCA). 

Before joining Cockpit, she was Creative Director at Crafts Council, leading UK and international exhibitions, research and advocacy, and learning development programmes. 

Chair DAVINA MALLINCKRODT commented: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Annie for her commitment and hard work.”

She added: “Cockpit moves forward with confidence, excitement, and with a renewed ability to support more emerging and early-stage makers, enhancing our mission to educate, to encourage sustainable creative business growth and widen access to craft."

Cockpit’s Board has begun the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive.