Barry Richards

Barry Richards is the Chief Client Officer at FIRST. Barry was previously the President & CEO of Grass Roots Meetings and Events from November 2013 to April 2016. At Grass Roots, they were responsible for the transition from start up to a multi-location full service meetings and events organization within four years.

Under Barry's leadership, the company achieved a sustainable business model and 485% compound growth over 3-years, acknowledged as one of Inc.’s 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in USA (2014, 2015). The team enjoyed huge positive momentum and a culture of “work hard, play hard” underpinned with strong talent development and performance. Crain’s Top 100 Companies to Work for in New York (2015), and captured 86% employee satisfaction rating.

Barry was an integral member of the company’s global meetings and events board using their experiences to help with the development and growth of other entities.

Barry Richards has a PG Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Chester, a BA First Class Honors in Event Management from Leeds Beckett University, an HND - Distinction in Hospitality Management from Leeds Beckett University, and a Master of Business Administration - MBA from the University of Chester.

Some of their coworkers include Jeff Kalpak - President, Americas , Ed Stanger - Chief Commercial Officer – Solutions. Their manager is Maureen Ryan Fable, CEO, Group & CEO, Americas.