The QEII Centre has appointed Safraj Ismail chief executive
officer (CEO) following the departure of Mark Taylor.
Ismail joins from the Gambling Commission, where she was most
recently programme director with responsibility for overseeing the National
Lottery.
Her appointment comes as the conference and events centre,
based in London’s Westminster, reports a strong year, with an economic impact
of over £170 million and several confirmed multi-year bookings up to 2029.
Ismail said: “I am delighted to be joining the QEII Centre
at a time of investment and growth. More importantly, I am delighted to be
joining an award-winning team of event professionals.
“I look forward to exploring new opportunities,
strengthening what already works well, and ensuring that we continue to deliver
exceptional value and outstanding service to our clients and stakeholders that
the QEII is renowned for.”
Andy Hobart, chair and senior sponsor of the QEII Conference
Centre Trading Fund welcomed Ismail: “Saf is people oriented, able to skilfully nurture
collaboration across different departments and brings proven experience of
major project delivery and customer focused services."
Ismail takes the reins from Mark Taylor who announced
he was stepping down at the start of the month, after 12 years leading the venue.
