Shenyang New World Expo, China
China’s Shenyang New World Expo meeting and exhibition centre has promoted Diane Chen (pictured above) to the role of deputy general manager.
Chen joined Expo, sister company to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in June 2012 as its director of business development.
“Diane Chen has demonstrated her commitment to China’s exhibition and meeting venue industry and to making Expo Shenyang the landmark exhibition and meeting venue,” said Shenyang New World Expo chairman Cliff Wallace.
“Her enthusiastic leadership of pre-opening staff progress and response to and grasp of the industry as well as her superior people and communication skills have been admirable.”
Chen, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master Degree in Business Strategy Management, said: “I am excited about being a part of the initial staff of Expo.
“I am confident that my experience and training will help me lead EXPO and its staff in becoming an example for China’s exhibition and meeting industry, especially a model for second tier cities making an effort to be a part of China’s exhibition industry reforms.”
Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Scotland
The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) has announced the appointment of Mark Laidlaw as director of operations.
In his new role, Laidlaw will be responsible for all operational and logistical aspects and event delivery across the 64-acre SECC campus, which includes the SECC, SSE Hydro and Clyde Auditorium.
He will also be an integral member of the team involved in planning the future development and sustainable growth of the business.
Previously director of management services at Scottish Rugby Union, Laidlaw was also responsible for the development of Murrayfield Stadium, reshaping the stadium’s events programme.
Peter Duthie, SECC chief executive said: “His extensive experience in managing and developing a major venue and expertise in delivering a world class events programme will be a huge asset to the company.
“The addition of the SSE Hydro has significantly extended our campus and the role of operations director will continue to be a challenging one with future investment already in place for expansion of our facilities. We are delighted to welcome him on board as we focus on the long term future and success of the company.”
On his appointment, Laidlaw said: “I have watched the development of the SECC campus over the years and as a frequent visitor to its iconic venues, I have admired the business vision and success. I am excited and privileged to be taking on this role and look forward to playing my part in contributing to the next phase of our business’s future."
Malcolm Close will be stepping down from the position and will continue to be involved in the company in the new role of projects director.
Gallus Events, UK
Events consultancy firm, Gallus Events has expanded its senior team with the appointments of Pauline Coulter and Dipty Patel.
Previously commercial director at the ACT (Association of Corporate Treasurers), Coulter was part of the senior leadership team and was responsible for significant commercial growth.
She oversaw the Middle East business and latterly all ACT marketing and communication including a total rebrand.
Patel joins the team from a role as head of conference and events for the Investor Relations Society where she ran a dynamic calendar of events. In Dipty’s new role, Gallus Events can further support clients to strategically and a practical delivery of high events.
William Thomson, Gallus Events lead consultant, said: “We have known for a while that we have had to strengthen our team to cope with demand, especially from the association sector.
“With the arrival of Pauline and Dipty we now have a senior team able to complete much larger consultancy projects. With a particular strength in associations in the financial and professional services sector we have a unique offering for our clients."
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