Skip to main content

Battered Black Book Expands Senior Management Team 

Long-time BBB community member and seasoned operations executive Sara Durante joins as Head of Operations, and Brand Marketing professional Ged Lawson-Buick signs on as Head of Marketing 

(London, 10th January, 2025)  

Battered Black Book, the exclusive digital members club connecting the world’s finest brands to gatekeepers supporting high-profile and HNW individuals, is ramping up to expand its offerings to the community in 2025 by hiring two experienced executives.  

Sara Durante and Ged Lawson-Buick join Managing Director Ben Arnold and Head of Events Alex Popoff as part of the senior management team to help lead the company into a new phase of growth that will see further development of the Partner Directory and significant broadening of the membership base, with the introduction of new and improved initiatives for all members of the community. 

Sara Durante will serve as Head of Operations.  A business operations executive with over 20 years of experience in the media sector across the UK, US and Italy, Sara’s career spans roles in Business Operations, HR, C-suite support, Board Management, Comms, Content Development and Production. Sara joins BBB having been part of the community for over fifteen years, to help lead the management and operations of the company, as well as develop an ‘ambassadors’ programme to be announced soon.  

New Head of Marketing, Ged Lawson-Buick is a tech-savvy digital strategist and experienced brand marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in driving brand growth through strategic multichannel marketing initiatives.  With a background in the luxury sector, Ged is uniquely placed to help take the club to the next level and enhance the partners’ and members’ experience.   

Managing Director Ben Arnold said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sara and Ged to the team. I have known Sara for many years and I am very pleased to be able to join forces with her in running the company, not to mention take on board her unique perspective as a long time BBB member.  Ged is equally talented and extremely experienced, and I can’t wait for our partners and members to see what he has in store for them!”  

Sara Durante added: “Ben was the very first person I met professionally when I arrived in London seventeen years ago, so it’s very special to partner up with him after all this time and join forces with Alex, also a long-time friend, and Ged.  I have been a huge fan and member of BBB for years, and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help contribute to BBB’s continued success.” 

Ged Lawson-Buick said: “I am incredibly passionate about creating impactful strategies that resonate with customers and drive real results, so I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to join this unique company at such an exciting time of growth and expansion.”  

More Journals

The Future of Luxury Travel: Trends for 2025

As we move into 2025, the world of luxury travel is undergoing a remarkable transformation. No longer solely defined by opulence, luxury today embodies authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection. The modern luxury traveller seeks experiences that are not just indulgent but transformative, underpinned by sustainability and curated to perfection.

Let’s explore the key trends shaping the future of travel in 2025.

Hyper-Personalised Journeys:

Luxury in 2025 is deeply personal. Travellers no longer settle for cookie-cutter itineraries; instead, they demand experiences crafted to reflect their unique preferences. With Joro Experiences, BBB members can enjoy bespoke journeys such as private art tours in Paris or off-the-grid island escapes. Advances in technology, including AI and predictive analytics, are making such hyper-personalisation the new standard.

Sustainable and Purposeful Travel:

Luxury travel now aligns with a greater sense of responsibility. From carbon-neutral private jet charters to eco-conscious retreats, the desire to travel sustainably is paramount. Steppes leads the way with experiences that positively impact the planet and local communities, ensuring journeys leave a lasting legacy.

The Art of Slow Travel:

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the trend for slow travel is here to stay. Discerning travellers are swapping whirlwind itineraries for longer stays in fewer destinations, savouring the culture, cuisine, and character of each location. Belmond Trains offer a quintessentially slow and immersive travel experience, encouraging deeper connections with people and places.

Wellness Escapes and Transformative Travel: 

The pursuit of holistic well-being continues to dominate luxury travel. Beyond spa treatments and yoga retreats, travellers are seeking life-changing experiences that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Healing Holidays delivers transformative retreats and exclusive detox programmes, redefining what it means to travel luxuriously.

Technology-Enhanced Luxury:

In 2025, technology is seamlessly integrated into the luxury travel experience. From virtual reality previews of destinations to AI-powered concierges, cutting-edge innovations elevate every touchpoint of the journey. Smart suites, biometric check-ins, and always-on connectivity redefine convenience and ease.

Exclusive Privacy: 

Privacy remains the ultimate luxury. High-net-worth travellers prioritise private experiences, such as exclusive-use resorts, remote lodges, private islands, and superyachts. BBB members can access private escapes in Lopud in Croatia, along with bespoke stays at estates and islands offered by our trusted Hotel Representative partners available to BBB members. These luxurious retreats provide unparalleled seclusion and the freedom to tailor every aspect of the experience.

The future of luxury travel is rich with possibility.

At BBB, we’re proud to help you create unparalleled opportunities to explore the world in meaningful and extraordinary ways. Whether it’s bespoke adventures, eco-conscious escapes, or transformative experiences, our partners and recommendations are redefining what it means to travel luxuriously in 2025 and beyond.
Read More

Redefining Luxury: From Extravagance to Purpose

As the year begins, there’s an urge to fill our calendars with plans—exclusive restaurants, luxury destinations, and the latest must-visit spots. But amidst the rush, how often do we stop to ask: What makes an experience truly meaningful? For those who value quality over quantity, the pursuit of meaningful experiences is more than just a trend—it’s a way of life.

Luxury, at its most authentic, isn’t about ticking off the next exclusive experience or rushing through the latest destination. It’s about indulging with intention—finding depth in every moment, and making space for experiences that resonate personally.
Read More