Director

Tariq Butt is an international event operations, safety and security leader with over 22 years of experience delivering major events, venue operations and strategic projects across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

A former police commander within Specialist Operations, leading the Tactical Aid Unit (Public Order/Riot Police), Tactical Mounted Unit (Police Horses), Tactical Dog Unit (Police Dogs) and Traffic, Roads Policing Units. A Silver & Bronze Public Order Public Safety Commander, a Silver CBRNE Commander and a Silver Roads Policing Commander. 

Now operating as a Freelance Operations & Project Director for major international events, Tariq specialises in event operations, guest experience, fan and spectator services, crowd management, safeguarding and safety & security. His work spans stadiums, arenas, racecourses, festivals, fan zones and large scale public events, operating at both strategic and operational leadership level.

Tariq has worked across some of the world’s most recognised sporting and entertainment environments, including the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, UEFA Champions League, NBA, NHL, Commonwealth Games, Premier League, FIFA Arab Cup, AFC Champions League Elite, FIFA Club World Cup and major international motorsport events. His experience includes senior operational roles with the Qatar Government during the FIFA World Cup 2022, Vice President within the Oak View Group, Manchester International Festival at Aviva Studios and major international projects across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

With a background in specialist policing and international event delivery, Tariq brings a rare combination of operational command, strategic leadership and real world experience in high-pressure environments. He is particularly passionate about creating safe, welcoming and memorable guest experiences, believing that strong operations, crowd management and guest experience should work seamlessly together rather than exist in isolation.

Known for his calm and approachable leadership style, Tariq has developed a reputation for building trust quickly across diverse teams, cultures and stakeholders. He has trained police, military commanders and event personnel internationally, while also leading venue operations, crowd safety, security planning, operational readiness and fan experience projects at some of the world’s busiest and most complex events.

Alongside consultancy and project leadership, Tariq also shares insights on leadership, introverted leadership, international events, venue operations and crowd management through speaking engagements, digital content and industry discussions.