The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has appointed Rachel Swann, chief operating officer of the energy division at
dmg events, as its new chair.
This decision was made at a recent AEO board
meeting where Alison Willis, chief executive officer of Easyfairs, was also
named vice chair. Matthew Butler, group managing director of CloserStill Media
and the outgoing chair, will take on the role of past chair until September
2025.
Swann’s focus for the next year is future proofing the AEO for the next generation by attempting to ensure the AEO
continues to remain relevant, provides value and meets its members’ needs. Her
strategy to achieve this is to build on the foundations already in place
– Representation, Community, Talent and Insight - and explore what these four pillars mean to AEO members.
Swann said: “I am honoured to take on the role of AEO chair, following
the excellent leadership of Matthew. I look forward to speaking
to all the members to understand better what they need and how we can support them
as an association. Our members’ experience and success are at the core of
everything we do, and by working together with them we are stronger.”
Butler said: “It has been a pleasure to see the industry grow and
develop, showcased by AEO’s increased member engagement and strategic initiatives.
Over the last 18 months, we have sharpened our approach with a focus on
financial resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. I am proud of what we’ve
achieved and confident that under Rachel’s leadership, this positive momentum
will continue.”
Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO, added: “I want to extend a big
thank you to Matthew for his inspiring leadership and commitment, which have
made a lasting, positive impact – on the industry. What we’ve achieved on our
sustainability journey during his tenure is incredible. A warm welcome to Rachel
as our new chair and Alison as vice chair.”
The AEO has also appointed four new industry
professionals to its board as part of its regular rotation of members. The following board members are
stepping down by rotation:
- Damion
Angus – group
managing director and chairman - Montgomery Group
- Emma Barrett
– managing director - Broadway Events
- Lee
Newton – chief executive officer - Media 10
Jayne Lewis-Orr from
Professional Beauty Group has stood down mid term, resulting in a further place
being available.
Skeith expressed his thanks, saying: “A big thank you to Damion, Emma, Lee,
and Jayne for their invaluable contributions to the AEO. Their dedication has
been hugely appreciated.”
The new Board members joining AEO are:
- Shane
Hannam – managing director - Montgomery Group
- Mark
Moloney – managing director -Trades Exhibitions
- Rob
Nathan – director - Media 10
- Alison
Willis – chief executive officer – Easyfairs
Additionally, Julie Driscoll, executive vice president at Hyve Group,
and Andrew Williams, executive vice president at Informa, who filled casual
vacancies during the year, have now been formally elected to the board.
These new members were officially appointed at the AGM held in
Manchester on Wednesday 4 September, where they began their duties, helping to shape
the future direction and governance of the AEO.
The new board members are expected to play a key role in guiding the
association.
