Spotlight on Lucy Hughes

We’re thrilled to announce that Lucy Hughes has been promoted to the newly created role of Project Management Practice Lead, reporting to COO, Lauren O'Brien as part of the operations team.

Since joining us five years ago to lead our marketing, Lucy has made a lasting impact across the business—from launching our AML sector brand to working at the intersection of commercial and delivery. In recent years, she’s brought her energy, insight and cross-functional expertise to major projects for clients like DFS, Informa and Keells.  

In this new role, Lucy will shape and lead our project management strategy, helping to deliver an even smoother, smarter experience for clients—and an energising, sustainable one for our teams. 

 We caught up with Lucy to hear more about her journey, what she’s learned along the way, and her vision for what’s next:

What excites you most about your new role as Project Management Practice Lead?  I’m excited about the opportunity to shape and elevate how we deliver projects across the business. For me, this role is about empowering teams with the right tools, processes, and mindsets so they can focus on what they do best—solving problems and creating value for clients. I love the idea of building a culture where project management isn’t just an operational necessity, but a driver of innovation and client trust. 

Looking back, what are you most proud of from your time at Beyond so far?  It has to be the relationships I’ve built—both with colleagues and clients. Whether it’s been delivering complex projects under tight deadlines or helping a client reimagine their data strategy, the common thread is collaboration. I’m proud of the way I’ve been able to connect people, break down silos, and create shared momentum to achieve big outcomes. 

You’ve worked across many parts of the business—how has that shaped your view of what great project management looks like?  It’s given me a 360° view of how everything fits together. Working with data science, analytics, commercial teams, and client services has taught me that great project management is about context and empathy. It’s understanding not just the deliverables, but the ‘why’ behind them, and adapting your approach to the needs of different stakeholders while keeping the end goal in sight. 

What does a smoother, smarter delivery experience mean to you, and what can clients expect?  For me, it’s about reducing friction and increasing clarity. That means well-structured planning, clear communication, and being proactive in spotting risks or opportunities. Clients can expect a delivery experience where they feel supported, informed, and confident that the project is not just on track, but optimised for the best possible outcome. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to grow a cross-functional career like yours?  Be curious and say yes to opportunities that take you outside your comfort zone. Working across different areas of a business is the fastest way to understand how it all works, and it makes you a better collaborator. Invest in relationships, listen more than you speak, and don’t be afraid to ask “why” until you truly understand. That breadth of experience will make you invaluable in any role.  

Comments Lauren O’Brien: “Lucy has that rare ability to quickly grasp what we’re trying to achieve for our clients and rally the team to deliver it clearly, efficiently, and with purpose. She makes sure that everyone knows their role, and more importantly, the value they bring and that’s down to her tenacity and the strong relationships she builds, both inside the business and with clients. She's such a pleasure to work with, the safest of safe pairs of hands.”  

Quick Career Timeline   

• 2020: Joined Beyond~: Putting Data To Work as marketing lead 

• 2020: Played key role in launching AML sector brand 

• 2022: Joined consulting team, bridging technical and client needs 

• 2023–2025: Joined commercial team, delivered high-impact projects for DFS, Informa, Keells 

• 2025: Promoted to Project Management Practice Lead