Former Channel 4 executive Jane Hector-Jones has been appointed as Head of Brand Partnerships and Sponsorship for Factory International as the landmark cultural venue prepares to open its doors in June 2023.
Jane will spearhead Factory International’s brand partnerships and commercial events strategy, as well as develop new innovative models in IP, broadcast, digital and content led partnerships.
Jane’s decade-long career at Channel 4 spans leading the first partnership and content team for Channel 4 Nations and Region and delivering award-winning sponsorship campaigns with major brands including Aldi and Hillary’s. Now, Jane’s remit is to drive meaningful partnerships and sponsorships and purpose-led campaigns with brands that share Factory International’s passion for diversity, sustainability, community, and the future of the arts.
Operated by the team behind Manchester International Festival (MIF), Factory International will be a global destination for arts, music and culture, commissioning and present a year-round programme of extraordinary, ground-breaking, and interdisciplinary work by leading artists. Its development is being led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England.
Attracting up to 850,000 visitors annually, Factory International will add £1.1 billion to the economy over a decade and create 1,500 direct and indirect jobs. Its pioneering programme of skills, training and engagement will benefit local people and the next generation of creative talent from across the city, whilst its Factory Academy apprenticeship and trainee schemes are already underway during the construction phase. Located in the new St John’s neighbourhood next to the River Irwell, Factory International will be at the heart of a burgeoning city centre hub for culture, creativity, and digital innovation.
Commenting on the appointment, Jane Hector-Jones said, “It’s a real honour to be joining the team at Factory International and play a part in the cultural landscape of our city, on a local and global scale. We’re looking to collaborate with brands that want to enact tangible positive change and make a real difference socially and environmentally – and combine that with supporting world-class arts, music, and culture. I truly believe that thoughtful brand partnerships and sponsorships have capacity to change the world around us and that is exactly what we will be doing at Factory International.
Randel Bryan, executive director and deputy CEO at Factory International, said: “As we near the opening of Factory International this summer it’s brilliant to welcome Jane, who is aligned in our approach to creating authentic partnerships. Jane brings with her a wealth of experience in hugely impactful campaigns and relationships with world-leading brands. This is a strategic appointment that will drive further meaningful, creative and content-led partnerships that represent the very best of what Factory International has to offer.”
