Annie Warburton appointed as new Clerk and CEO at the Goldsmiths' Company

This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina (Annie) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public, and charity sectors, Annie is a respected specialist in contemporary craft with a track record of delivering tangible impact and creating opportunities for talented people from all backgrounds to achieve their creative potential. She has recently initiated and raised funds for a £3.24m capital project to expand and transform Cockpit’s Deptford studios. Supported by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, STRIDE, and London Borough of Lewisham, the new studios open in December.  

In 2019, Annie was appointed by the Department of Education to Chair an expert industry panel to develop the T-Level qualification in Craft and Design, including jewellery. Annie is also a Council Member at Creative UK, a Champion at the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, Fellow of the RSA, skills adviser at Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), Associate Member of the Artworkers Guild, and Honorary Associate at Newnham College, Cambridge. 

On taking up the role in January 2024, Annie will become the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its history (the Company received its first Royal Charter in 1327) and will lead the Company towards its 700 Anniversary in 2027, where it will celebrate seven centuries of supporting the craft and trade, protecting consumers through testing precious metals and hallmarking, and improving life chances through its work with charity and educational partners.  

Speaking today about Annie’s appointment, Charles Mackworth-Young, Prime Warden of The Goldsmiths’ Company said:

“We greatly look forward to welcoming Annie to the Goldsmiths’ Company as our new Clerk and Chief Executive in January, after a thorough, competitive search process. Annie is a dynamic, aspirational leader who will bring vision and energy to the role, along with extensive experience in the UK-craft sector. She is the ideal candidate to lead us into, and beyond, our 700th anniversary in 2027, as we look to maximise our impact on the future of the craft and trade of silversmiths and jewellers – which contribute so much to the UK's creative industries.”

Annie Warburton, incoming Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company said:

“It is an honour to be appointed as the new Clerk and Chief Executive of The Goldsmiths’ Company. The Company has long championed skilled craftsmanship in jewellery and silversmithing whilst extending support to those most vulnerable in our society. As the Company looks ahead to celebrating its 700th anniversary, I look forward to working with the Prime Warden, Court and staff to further its contribution to national life, rooted in tradition whilst responding to the challenges of our times.”

Davina Mallinckrodt, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cockpit, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Annie for her dedication to Cockpit over the past five years. Annie has been a talented, committed and highly respected CEO, who has made a very significant contribution to Cockpit and to our community of makers. I wish Annie great success in her new role.”