Abby Burton is a senior communications specialist with 18 years’ experience in media management, public relations, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications within the sports sector.

She recently co-founded Small Talk Communications, supporting small businesses and start-ups with bespoke communication strategies, event communications, social media strategy and crisis communication planning.

Previously, Abby spent 14 years with British Cycling, where she led all internal and external communications for the Great Britain Cycling Team, including at the London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She later served as Communications Lead at the Rugby League World Cup 2021, overseeing the ambassador programme and leading media operations as part of the tournament’s overall communications strategy.

More recently, as Head of Strategic Communications at IWG Women and Sport, she managed senior stakeholder relations with the IOC, UK Sport and International Federations, delivered high-profile international events, and advocated globally for gender equality in sport.

Abby has also provided consultancy support to Team GB, England Athletics, Merseyside Sport Partnership and Tour de 4.