Ian Taylor, managing director exhibitions at NEC Birmingham has been appointed chair of The Association of Event Venues (AEV).
Taylor, the former vice chair, takes over from Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central who has stepped down after 18 months in the role.
Taylor said: “The events industry drives £70bn of trade into UK businesses and it is vital that this impact on the economy is understood at government level and by wider stakeholders alike. We will work hard to champion UK venues, establishing a coherent voice for the industry and ensuring that the interests of our members are best represented at all times”.
Kerry Villa, chief operating officer at ACC Liverpool has been elected as the new vice chair, having served on the AEV board for seven years.
She said: “Being an AEV member offers so many significant benefits both to me in my role and the venue I work for and provides access to a wide network of talented and knowledgeable colleagues. Stepping into the vice chair role coincides with the AEV’s 20th birthday year and I am looking forward to participating and contributing even more to the AEV’s exciting future agenda.”
Rachel Parker, AEV director concluded: “I would like to thank Shaun Hinds for the huge contribution he has made to both the AEV and EIA boards over the past few years. I wish him well and hope we may work together again soon. Andy Gibb has also stepped down to pursue a new role at ICC Birmingham – I look forward to working with him as we hold our eighth annual conference there on 14 November.”
