The NEC Group
has appointed Melanie Smith CBE as the company’s new chief executive officer,
succeeding Paul Thandi CBE, who moves to the position of chairman after
nearly 17 years as CEO.
Smith brings
more than 25 years’ experience in executive and operational leadership to the NEC Group, having worked at leading UK consumer and retail businesses.
Working closely
with the board and the company’s majority shareholder, Blackstone, Smith will work to implement the NEC Group's vision to be Europe’s leading live
events business across its entire venue portfolio including the NEC and ICC
Birmingham, Vox Conference Venue and Birmingham’s two live music arenas – Utilita Arena
Birmingham and Resorts World Arena.
Most recently, Smith served as CEO of Ocado Retail, the online grocer and retail company,
where she oversaw major technology, marketing and supplier transitions. This
included the execution of the largest brand switchover in
UK grocery history and the relaunch of the Ocado brand.
She previously
held senior positions at Marks & Spencer, Bupa, TalkTalk and McKinsey &
Co. She is a non-executive director at SSE plc, the FTSE 30 energy company, and
the Deputy Chair of Sadler’s Wells, the UK’s leading dance institution.
Beyond her role
as a leading UK consumer and retail executive, Smith is a passionate advocate
for diversity and empowerment, particularly for women and the Māori community.
In 2022, she founded the Mokaraka
Trust, an initiative funding Māori Women’s business studies with the aim of
creating a leading global cohort of Māori women CEOs by 2040.
Smith said:
“The NEC Group is a truly unique
business with a rich history and significant future opportunities.
“It is internationally renowned as the
go-to destination for live events in the UK, hosting some of the world’s most
iconic exhibitions and shows. From our proud base in the Midlands, our vision
is to become Europe’s most successful and sustainable live events business –
with world class venues and supporting services that ensure unforgettable live
experiences for millions of people every year.
“I am excited to lead our next chapter
of growth and innovation.”
Alexander Walsh, senior MD at Blackstone, said: “We are delighted to welcome Melanie
as the new CEO of the NEC. Her proven track record in leading successful
businesses and driving transformative change and merger and acquisition
initiatives aligns perfectly with our vision for the Company’s future.
“Blackstone has
invested in the NEC since 2018, and as the Company continues to go from strength-to-strength
we look forward to working closely with Melanie as we build on the NEC’s
position as a leader in live events experiences."
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
