Che Wheatley

Head of Marketing, Partner Events, Financial Times, Co-Chair, FT Embrace Employee Resource Group

With over 14 years of experience in strategic marketing and event management, I specialise in driving innovation, creating impactful content, and leading high-performing teams. As the Head of Marketing at FT Live, I develop and execute marketing strategies that elevate industry-defining events, delivering exceptional value to our global audience. My portfolio includes the World Economic Forum, the Business Book of the Year Award, Business Lunch Awards, Cannes Lions, and the G20 Summit - bringing together influential leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers.

Beyond my marketing expertise, I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Co-Chair of FT Embrace, I play a key role in shaping our employee resource group’s strategy aligning with FT’s D&I goals, leading monthly meetings, managing internal events, and fostering engagement across the organisation. I work closely with the D&I team to drive initiatives in training, talent development, and policy evolution, ensuring that inclusivity remains central to our workplace culture.

Before joining the Financial Times, I spent six transformative years at Tottenham Hotspur, progressing from Membership Marketing Executive to General & Marketing Manager for the Women's Team. During this time, I led initiatives that grew the men’s membership base by 57%, expanded the international fan community by 300%, and played a pivotal role in securing the FA Super League bid for Spurs Ladies in 2017/18. These experiences sharpened my expertise in strategic planning, fan engagement, and large-scale event operations, insights that continue to inform my work today.

Earlier in my career, I participated in the Disney International Program, gaining hands-on experience in delivering world-class guest experiences and learning the fundamentals of brand storytelling, customer engagement, and event operations in a dynamic global environment. This early exposure to high standards in hospitality and entertainment has influenced my approach to marketing and event management ever since.

I thrive at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and leadership building marketing strategies that not only drive business impact but also shape inclusive, engaging experiences. Passionate about mentorship and professional development, I am dedicated to empowering teams, elevating brands, and driving meaningful change across industries.

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