Business Leader, Executive Chairman of Jurys Inn hotels, Launched Go Fly for BA, Co-Authored the Award-Winning Business Memoir, ‘Go: An Airline Adventure’ & Named Veuve Clicquot UK Businesswoman of the Year
Barbara Cassani’s Biography:
Barbara Cassani is a pioneering business leader best known for leading Go Fly, the low-cost airline that transformed the UK aviation market and established her as one of Britain’s most respected entrepreneurs. As the first female chief executive of a commercial airline, Barbara combined strategic vision with bold decision-making to create a highly successful airline from the ground up. Her leadership of Go Fly, from launch through rapid growth, management buyout and eventual sale to easyJet for £374 million, demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify opportunities, build high-performing teams and deliver outstanding commercial results. These achievements, alongside her later role as Founding Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Bid, have made her one of the UK’s most sought-after keynote speakers on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and organisational transformation.
Barbara graduated with a Master’s degree in International Relations from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. She began her career with British Airways in the United States, where she quickly progressed through a range of general management, international sales and marketing positions across both the US and UK. Recognising her talent, the Chief Executive of British Airways selected her to create and lead a new low-cost airline subsidiary. Barbara launched Go Fly and made history as the first woman to serve as chief executive of a commercial airline. Under her leadership, the business grew rapidly before she spearheaded a £110 million management buyout backed by venture capital firm 3i. She then negotiated the airline’s landmark sale to easyJet. Beyond aviation, Barbara was appointed Founding Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Bid, later became a Non-Executive Director of Marks & Spencer and served as Executive Chairman of Jurys Inn hotels.
Barbara’s achievements have been recognised through numerous prestigious accolades. She was named Veuve Clicquot UK Businesswoman of the Year and was voted UK Entrepreneur of the Year by readers of The Telegraph. Her career and leadership journey continue to attract attention, including being featured during International Age Pioneers Week for her successful transitions across industries and stages of her career. These honours reflect not only her business success but also her influence as a role model for women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Why Hire Barbara Cassani?
In addition to her executive career, Barbara has contributed extensively through board and advisory roles, including serving on the board of directors for Princeton University’s Women in Leadership initiative. She also co-authored the award-winning business memoir, ‘Go: An Airline Adventure’, offering a candid insight into launching, growing and selling a major airline. Drawing on first-hand experience of building businesses, leading change, negotiating complex deals and delivering world-class projects, Barbara provides audiences with practical lessons that can be applied immediately. Her keynote presentations combine strategic insight with compelling stories from some of the most significant moments in modern British business, making her an exceptional speaker for organisations seeking inspiration, leadership expertise and a powerful perspective on innovation and resilience.
Barbara Cassani’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Barbara Cassani’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Featured in International Age Pioneers Week for her career transitions
- 2010s – Served on the board of directors for the Princeton University Women in Leadership initiative
- 2008 – Appointed Executive Chairman of Jurys Inn hotels
- 2004 – Non-Executive Director of Marks & Spencer
- 2003 – Appointed by the British government as the Founding Chairman of the London 2012 Olympic Bid
- 2003 – Co-authored and released her award-winning business memoir, ‘Go: An Airline Adventure’
- 2002 – Honoured as the prestigious Veuve Clicquot UK Businesswoman of the Year
- 2002 – Voted UK Entrepreneur of the Year by readers of The Telegraph
- 2002 – Negotiated the blockbuster sale of Go Fly to arch-rival easyJet for an astonishing £374 million
- 2001 – Spearheaded a massive £110 million management buyout (MBO) of Go Fly from British Airways, backed by venture capital firm 3i
- 1998 – Made history as the first female CEO of a commercial airline upon the launch of Go Fly
- 1997 – Handpicked by the CEO of British Airways to conceptualise, launch, and lead their brand-new, London-based budget airline subsidiary, Go Fly
- 1987 – Joined British Airways in the United States, rising rapidly through general management, international sales, and marketing roles across the US and UK
- 1984 – Graduated with a Master’s degree in International Relations from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs
Videos
Barbara Cassani’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“She delivered a refreshingly candid and good-humoured presentation that captivated our audience.” – Ernst & Young
“Barbara encouraged delegates to dare to be different. Her honesty really stimulated debate.” – East of England Development Agency
Speaking Topics
Barbara Cassani‘s Official Keynote Topics:
- Business
- Productivity
- Leadership
- British Airways
- Entrepreneurship
How Much Does Barbara Cassani Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Barbara Cassani?
Barbara Cassani’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.