As Artifax approaches its 40th anniversary, 2026 marks a pivotal moment for the business. Framed as A Year of Celebration and Generation, the year ahead is about honouring four decades of impact while actively shaping the future. We sat down with Andy Wheeler, who returns to Artifax as CEO, and Tim Leighton to discuss the company’s strengthened Executive leadership structure and how it supports Artifax’s 2026 mission of growth, exceptional customer experience, and smarter, innovation-led operations.
Why was now the right time to evolve Artifax’s Executive structure?
Andy: As the business approaches 40 years, it is a natural point to ensure our leadership model is fit for the future. Artifax continues to grow in scale, ambition, and opportunity, and this structure gives us the clarity and focus needed to support that growth over the long term. It is a proactive step that reflects where the business is heading, not just where it has been.
Tim: This is about alignment and playing to strengths. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, it is important that leadership roles are clearly focused on where each of us adds the most value. The structure supports both continuity and momentum, which is exactly what the business needs at this stage.
How does the new Executive structure support Artifax’s 2026 mission of celebration, growth, and innovation?
Andy: Our 2026 mission is about balance. We want to honour the legacy of Artifax while actively generating new opportunities and elevating how we operate as a business. The Executive structure enables that by creating clear ownership across strategy, growth, and delivery, while ensuring innovation remains a core focus.
Tim: From an operational perspective, this structure ensures we can grow with new customers while continuing to deliver an exceptional customer experience. It also allows us to operate smarter by accelerating innovation through automation, AI, and new product development. That combination of growth, quality, and efficiency is central to our strategy.
2026 has been framed as “A Year of Celebration and Generation.” What does that mean in practice?
Andy: Celebration is about recognising the people, customers, and partners who have shaped Artifax over the past 40 years. Generation is about both honouring those four decades, and shaping the future. It is about growth, new innovation, customer relationships, and expanding our impact across the arts and cultural sector. We are proud of our history, but we are firmly focused on what comes next.
Tim: It is also about elevation. As the business grows, we are committed to raising the bar in how we operate and how we serve our customers. That means continually improving our processes, embracing new technologies, and ensuring our teams are supported to do their best work.
How will your respective roles work together day to day?
Tim: The partnership is very collaborative. Andy’s focus is on strategy, market direction, and growth, while mine is on operational leadership and execution. We work closely together, with shared accountability for outcomes and a very aligned view of what success looks like for Artifax.
Andy: We have worked together for many years, which brings a strong foundation of trust. The roles are clearly defined, but the leadership is shared. That combination allows us to move quickly, make good decisions, and stay focused on delivering value.
Tim, what does focusing on operational leadership enable for the business?
It allows me to concentrate on where I add the greatest impact. Operational leadership sits at the heart of client experience, delivery excellence, and organisational resilience. As Artifax continues to scale, ensuring the business operates effectively, consistently, and intelligently is critical to long-term success.
Andy, what does the CEO role allow you to focus on as Artifax looks ahead?
It allows me to focus on long-term strategy, growth opportunities, and strengthening our relationships with customers, partners, and the wider sector. With strong operational leadership in place, I can look ahead with confidence and focus on positioning Artifax for its next phase of opportunity.
What stays the same for customers and colleagues?
Andy: Our commitment to the arts and cultural sector remains unchanged. Customers can expect the same focus on partnership, reliability, and innovation that has defined Artifax for decades.
Tim: For colleagues, our values and culture remain central. This structure is designed to support our people, provide clarity, and ensure the business continues to be a great place to work as we grow.
How does your long-standing working relationship shape this leadership model?
Tim: We share a common understanding of what Artifax stands for and where it is heading. That makes collaboration straightforward and effective. We also share an absolute passion for the sector we serve, which is really important in aligning on our direction as a business.
Andy: It also provides continuity. While the structure has evolved, the leadership philosophy and commitment to the business remain consistent.
What excites you most about the next 12 to 24 months?
Andy: There is a real sense of momentum. From innovation and product development to international growth, Artifax is well positioned to extend its impact.
Tim: For me, it is about turning strategy into reality. Executing well, supporting our teams, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers is incredibly energising.
As Artifax turns 40, what do you want the business to be known for in its next chapter?
Tim: Operational excellence, trusted partnerships, and a consistently outstanding customer experience.
Andy: Ambition and impact. Continuing to make a genuine difference to the arts and cultural sector while building a resilient, innovative, and values-led business.
As Artifax enters its 40th year, Celebrate. Generate. Elevate. is more than a theme. It is a shared commitment to honour our past while actively building the future. Together, we are excited to lead Artifax into its next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose.