Kelly Haslehurst will take up the newly created position of marketing director – conventions and exhibitions, for the NEC Group this week.
With 20 years’ marketing experience on both the client and supplier side of events, Haslehurst has worked in investment management, insurance and consultancy. Most recently, she was head of marketing for two leading conference venues, the ICC and Vox (part of the NEC Group portfolio) since November 2014.
Kathryn James, managing director for NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions, said: “In order to maximise shared best practice and encourage more coordinated working we have merged our marketing function across exhibitions and conferences. We are thrilled that we have been able to offer the new position of Marketing Director across these two business areas to a worthy internal candidate. Kelly is a strategic marketing expert and has a wealth of knowledge in the events sector. Her team will provide a single point of contact and create a centre of excellence in marketing.”
The NEC Group is passionate about developing talent within the organisation, and Haslehurst progresses into this senior role following the successful completion of the Group’s internal talent development programme in 2018.
Haslehurst said of her appointment: “I’ve built considerable experience in the events industry but the NEC Group’s Talent programme gave me the tools and confidence to be ready for that next step in my marketing career. I’m excited to be offered this opportunity and I’m looking forward to delivering with real impact in my new role by synchronising activity across the NEC, ICC and Vox, maximising our venue brands and striving to provide the best customer experience possible.”
