The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has recruited six industry professionals to join its board.
The appointments come as part of the regular rotation of board members, in accordance with AEO’s governance structure. The AEO Board has a maximum of 20 association members, with one-quarter of those appointed retiring each year prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The new board members are: CIBSE CEO Ruth Carter; Five Senses Media MD Austen Hawkins; Diversified Communications MD Carsten Holm; Professional Beauty Group executive director Jayne Lewis-Orr; ARC Network director of operations Caitlin Read; and Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman.
The four retiring board members are William Reed MD events and exhibitions Andrew Reed; FESPA CEO Neil Felton; Trades Exhibitions MD Mark Moloney and CISBE MD Simon Parker.
Additionally, Alison Jackson, group managing director at Nineteen Events will become AEO treasurer as Andrew Reed steps down from the post.
Alison Willis, divisional managing director at Easyfairs will take on the special projects role on the board, for tactical and strategic insight.
Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO said: “A huge thank you to Andrew, Neil, Mark and Simon. Their dedication and contributions to the AEO have been invaluable, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their service. We are thrilled to introduce the six new Board members nominated to join the AEO Board.
“These individuals bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to the AEO Board and will be valuable additions to our leadership team. Congratulations to our new board members and those stepping into new roles. Thank you to Andrew for his commitment as treasurer over the years.”
The new board members were formally appointed at the AGM held in Brighton on 6 September, where they assumed their responsibilities to begin contributing to the strategic direction and governance of the AEO.
The AEO Conference takes place on 7 September at the Brighton Metropole.
