I am currently Managing Director of World Events Ltd, a leading international event management company based in the UK, with offices in USA and Belgium. I have over 20 years experience in financial and general management for major companies in the food, travel and leisure sectors.
Following a period of considerable change in our industry, I am now leading WorldEvents to higher levels of success and profitability. I have a passion for our industry and a real belief that event management can become a more significant priority for clients in both the private and public sector.
I am keen to work collaboratively with others to share best practice, moving from a disparate industry of mainly small companies to a more focused sector in which large and small companies can thrive together.
In addition to my knowledge of the events industry, I will bring important related insights to Eventia, including strategic corporate expertise, mergers and acquisitions experience and corporate financial knowledge
Before joining WorldEvents in 2001, I was Finance Director at Thomson Holidays, where I managed the purchase and integration of ten holiday companies worth £200 million. Prior to that I was Divisional Finance Director at S&W Berisford plc, a large international conglomerate where I led a management buy-out of four food manufacturing businesses.
Since joining WorldEvents, I have driven key new developments, including
During my first year on the Board of Eventia I have conducted a full review of the finance function of the association and been instrumental in the decision to move the previous in-house facilities to a specialist external agency. This will improve the quality of information produced for the Board and increase the professionalism of the back office function. I am also working in support of the education committee to offer our industry experience to the university establishments and provide opportunities for students within our industry.
I am a qualified accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, living in West Yorkshire with my young family. I am extremely sociable and a keen sportsman.