Barbara Cassani

Barbara Cassani – Former Executive Chairperson of Jurys Inn Hotels

Barbara Cassani is an American businesswoman best known for founding Go Fly, the low-cost airline launched under British Airways, and for serving as the first leader of London’s successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. With £25 million in seed funding, she transformed Go into a profitable venture within two years before leading a management buyout in 2001. Her exceptional track record in aviation, business transformation, and global sporting initiatives positions her as a leading authority on modern leadership.

Credentials and Impact

Barbara began her career as a management consultant with Coopers & Lybrand before joining British Airways in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She was selected to launch Go Fly with £25 million in seed capital, turning the airline profitable within two years. She later led a management buyout and became its first chief executive. Her success was recognised when she was named Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year.

Following her achievements in aviation, she was appointed chair of London’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, later serving as vice-chairman. Under her leadership, the bid gained corporate and political backing, developed the master plan, and ultimately secured London’s place as a candidate city. This role showcased her ability to unite stakeholders, manage complex projects, and deliver at the highest level of international scrutiny.

Barbara has since held senior board and executive positions in leading organisations across travel, leisure, and consumer services, including Marks & Spencer, Vueling Airlines, Jurys Inn Hotels, and Air Berlin. She was awarded an honorary CBE and has received honorary recognition from leading academic institutions. Today, she serves as an Operating Partner at Bespoke Capital Partners and continues to advise, lead, and inspire businesses worldwide.

Publications and Media

Barbara is the author of ‘Go: An Airline Adventure’, an award-winning business book that captures her entrepreneurial journey with Go Fly. She has contributed commentary and articles to respected outlets, including the Financial Times, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review. A frequent media guest, she has appeared on the BBC, CNN, and Bloomberg, as well as in international documentaries and business forums, where her expertise in leadership and strategy is widely recognised.

Why Book Barbara?

Barbara brings unmatched real-world leadership experience to the stage, having founded a successful airline, led a transformational Olympic bid, and advised multinational corporations at the board level. She translates these high-stakes experiences into practical lessons that resonate with executives, entrepreneurs, and teams navigating change.

Her speaking style is engaging and practical, blending compelling stories with clear strategies that audiences can apply immediately. Barbara is equally effective when inspiring global conference halls or working with senior leadership groups. She challenges assumptions, motivates with authenticity, and leaves audiences with renewed clarity on how to lead with resilience, vision, and focus.

Booking Barbara guarantees not only an inspiring keynote but also a speaker whose insights carry credibility across industries, cultures, and markets.

To book Barbara to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry

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