Glasgow 2026 CEO confirmed as Humber Business Week speaker

The Hull-born Chief Executive of next year’s Commonwealth Games will return to his home city next month as the guest speaker at a lunch which will launch Humber Business Week.

Phil Batty OBE became a rising star of the business scene in Hull on his way to becoming Director of Public Engagement as the city planned and delivered its UK City of Culture programme.

Since then he has served as Chief Operating Officer of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, held board roles at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and been CEO of SKYMAGIC, one of the world’s leading drone light show companies operating across Europe, the Middle East,  Asia and the USA.

Appointed as CEO of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in January, he now has responsibility for delivering a global sporting spectacular which will be taking place in Scotland for only the fourth time since its inception nearly 100 years ago. Glasgow will become only the third city to host the Games twice.

Phil said: “It seems like only yesterday that the eyes of the world were watching as Hull shone brightly as the UK City of Culture 2017. It’s always great to return to catch up with friends, and I’m excited about being back at Humber Business Week, an event I loved when I lived in the city.

“In the same way that we underlined the vital links between culture and business in our work over ten years ago when we bid for Hull 2017, the same is true for sport and business. I’m looking forward to sharing with everyone in the Hull and Humber region about the exciting plans for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Glasgow and Hull share a pioneering spirit, and this is set to be an altogether brilliant Games with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing in ten sports across four iconic venues. 

“Importantly, 2026 is a chance to reset and reimagine how major events are delivered more inclusively and more sustainably. I have seen first-hand the catalyst of sport and culture in energising the business community and driving new investment into a city to create benefits for everyone who lives, works and studies there. The Commonwealth Games will build on this legacy next year.”

Pat Coyle, Chair of Humber Business Week, said: “The lunch is unique in bringing together business people from the widest range of sectors and we are delighted to welcome a speaker who used to sit in the audience here and who is returning to share experiences and ideas from a career in the global business and sporting arena”.

The Humber Business Week Lunch takes place from midday until 3.30pm o Monday 2 June at the MKM Stadium in Hull. Tickets are £50 + VAT with tables of 10 available for £500 + VAT. To book visit https://humberbusinessweek.co.uk/