John Middleton is the Head of Economic
Development at the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.
As Head of Economic Development John develops policy, strategy and
projects which will over time deliver significant change for east
London. In his role he is also the lead within LTGDC for all
economic development work including education & skills and
culture & community work. Examples of his work for
LTGDC include the new marketing suite “The View” and community
space “View Tube” which are both adjacent to Olympic Park, the
National Skills Academy for Financial Services (which opened Jan
2008) and Chairing the new Birkbeck/UEL university centre project
team (which opens in 2013). John is also responsible for six
school capital projects including Rokeby School in Canning Town,
Eastbury School in Barking and St Paul’s Way Community School in
Bromley by Bow and the LIFT festival programme.
Prior to working for LTGDC John ran his own
management consultancy business. He had a number of clients
who employed him to clarify strategy, improve business plans or
develop sustainable new projects. John has had a varied
career mainly as a Director in education, and has worked
principally in Manchester, east London and Australia. While
working in east London John has supported a number of cultural
venues, including the formation of the business plan which enabled
the Stratford Circus to re-open. In his personal life John
values travel, having navigated his way around the world three
times on different trips all lasting 6 months. He is also an
avid reader (currently of translated north European thrillers),
arts participant (especially of smaller venues and emerging
artists) and is a sports addict.