As part of our ongoing growth and evolving team structure, we’re excited to announce the promotion of Andrew Wainwright and Garrath Rowley to the roles of Crew Leaders at JBE, alongside Drew Thompson.
Andrew and Garrath have been valued members of our crew for several years combined, and their step into leadership is a key part of our strategy to strengthen on-site delivery and improve the planning and preparation of practical elements for events. With increasing client demand and more projects running simultaneously, this move will help bring added structure, foresight, and consistency to our operations.
While our operations manager, Drew, continues to provide vital day-to-day management of the crew, particularly in the store and in event prep, his store-based workload means there’s a growing need for dedicated leadership out in the field. That’s where Andrew and Garrath come in. As Crew Leaders, they’ll take greater responsibility for the practical delivery of jobs on-site and contribute more proactively to pre-event planning.
We work with a wider team that includes regular freelancers and temporary crew members, and as demand continues to grow, we’re actively looking to expand that team.
This move is especially important given the shifting responsibilities of our current leadership and the pace of growth we’re experiencing. With Andrew and Garrath bringing their experience, energy, and practical knowledge into leadership, we’re confident this will have a strong and positive impact – especially when it comes to operational delivery and team development.
About the Crew Leaders team
Andrew Wainwright, crew leader
Andrew has a keen eye for detail, over two decades in the events industry, and a background in painting and decorating. He excels in event planning and venue coordination. He’s managed events in the UK and internationally, bringing a meticulous approach and passion for spaces which stand out.
Garrath Rowley, crew leader
With a rich background in events, construction, and operations across the UK and New Zealand, Garrath joined JBE in 2023. Specialising in timber builds, he brings passion, experience, and a love for teamwork. Garrath combines craftsmanship with genuine enthusiasm for every project.
Drew Thompson, operations manager
Drew oversees the entire operational workflow at JBE, from event planning to execution and review. With 30 years of experience across the UK and Europe, he specialises in delivering high-quality events. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, classical music, and writing short stories for fun.
A big thank you to Drew, Andrew, Garrath, and the rest of the JBE crew for their continued hard work and dedication. We’re proud to be growing together!
