Andrew Stokes

Andrew joined Marketing Manchester in 1999 as director of destination marketing and became chief executive in November 2001.

Originally from London, Andrew studied in Liverpool and began his career in the theatre sector, at The Liverpool Playhouse and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society. This was followed by a move back to London to the Royal Albert Hall and later appointment as director of sales and marketing for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Andrew is chairman of Manchester Pride and a board member of Manchester International Festival, CityCo Ltd, Manchester Central (the City's international convention and exhibition centre) and Piccadilly Partnership.

Andrew was chairman of Cultureshock, the award-winning multi-arts festival that surrounded the XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002.

Andrew lives in Chorlton, Manchester and enjoys spending time at the cottage he restored on the west coast of Ireland.