The UK’s NEC Group has announced a series of high-level appointments, following the news that its Managing Director for Conventions and Exhibitions, Kathryn James, will retire.
Ian Taylor, Venue Sales Director, Conventions and Exhibitions, was announced as Acting Managing Director in James’ place until a permanent appointment is made.
Janine Smith, Conventions & Exhibition Sales Director, will become Acting Venue Sales Director, NEC Group Conventions & Exhibitions. Smith will take responsibility for the sales functions of the NEC, the ICC and the Vox.
Catherine Penny, Account Director, Exhibition Sales will become Acting Exhibition Sales Director for the NEC and will report into Smith.
Donna Cunningham, Sales Director for ICC & Vox will become Acting Sales Director, NEC Group Conventions taking responsibility for the Conventions sales functions (including Live Events) of the NEC, the ICC and the Vox. Cunningham will also report into Smith.
Kathryn James announced her plans to retire earlier in January, after 12 years as Managing Director of its Conventions and Exhibitions division.
All of the changes above will come into effect from 3 February 2020.
Taylor commented on the three new roles: “I think it’s a reflection of the level of talent and depth we have within the NEC Group that we’re able to make these changes. I’m sure Janine, Catherine and Donna will rise to the challenge of their acting roles, together with their immediate and wider teams across the Group.”
