The board of The NEC Group, operator of five of the UK’s leading exhibition, music and event venues, including the National Exhibition Centre, National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre, announces the appointment of Paul Thandi as its new chief executive.
The board reports that Thandi, aged 40, has exceptional experience of both the exhibition industry and The NEC Group, where he has held the position of commercial director since April 2005, and has been responsible for delivering the largest haul of new business in any one year in the company's history. He has also been part of the executive board since the appointment of current chief executive, Andrew Morris, in 2004.
Paul Thandi's appointment follows a rigorous four-month selection procedure, conducted by a panel which included representatives from NEC Group owners Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, as well as search consultants Korn Ferry.
Acting NEC Group chairman, Gary Allen, who chaired the selection panel, said: ‘We were extremely impressed with the quality, range and number of applicants for this important post. The NEC Group has undergone a transformation in the last eighteen months. I am confident that the organisation will be in excellent hands going forward under Paul's stewardship.’
Paul Thandi said: ‘It is a privilege to be given the role of leading such an iconic and high profile organisation that is an important part of the fabric of the regional and national economies. Our venues welcome over four and a half million visitors each year to more than 1,000 conferences, exhibitions, consumer shows and concerts and deliver £1.3 billion to the regional economy.
‘Under Andrew's stewardship, we have already delivered significant business growth, £40m investment in the venues, greater communication with our stakeholders and the rebirth of an amazing team of people passionate about the place where they work.
‘I intend to continue with and build this strategy, ably supported by the executive and Group board members who have helped deliver this turnaround, whilst adding my own philosophy and ideas to our operating style, culture, customer offer and business plan.
‘I am particularly excited to be taking on this role at a time when the exhibition and events industry has a one-off chance to grab a greater share of the marketing mix. With traditional advertising having fallen some 30 per cent since 2000, face-to-face is fast becoming recognised as the most effective way to talk to customers and I intend to take the massive potential that exhibitions and events represent to influential marketing and brand directors, to ensure that the industry takes full advantage of this current golden opportunity.’
It is expected Paul will take up his new position during October 2006. No decision has yet been made about the future of his current role.
The board of The NEC Group, operator of five of the UK’s leading exhibition, music and event venues, including the National Exhibition Centre, National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre, announces the appointment of Paul Thandi as its new chief executive.
