PEOPLE MATTER

Lisa Hannant

Clarion Events announced that Lisa Hannant will become the company’s new CEO, succeeding Russell Wilcox, who moves to the position of Executive Chairman. Lisa joined Clarion in 2008 and was appointed to the board as Group Managing Director in 2013, with responsibility for driving international expansion. As CEO, Lisa will continue to work closely with Russell Wilcox who, in addition to his role as Chair of the Board, will have responsibility for: strategic growth; business development opportunities; and a number of projects across the Group. Previous Chairman, Simon Kimble, will remain on the Clarion Board as a non-executive director.

Dan Londero

Dan Londero has become a member of the MBB-Consulting Partner Group. He brings with him over 24 years of global exhibition industry experience. Dan is an experienced CEO, having led organisations in Australia, China and the UK and has worked extensively in India, the Middle East and Turkey.. Londero was a senior executive at Reed Exhibitions (RX) and was a member of their global Executive Leadership Team for 13 years before co-founding Turnkey Event Solutions (TES) in Australia. He has worked across most facets of our industry having run exhibitions, launched new events, acquired events and event businesses and has led sales teams globally.

Eric Blanc

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has promoted Eric Blanc, Sr., CMP to deputy director. In his new role, Blanc will oversee the OCCC’s sales, marketing, event management, and exhibitor services divisions. Prior to joining the OCCC’s sales division, Blanc was the director of sales, marketing, and convention services for the Tampa Convention Center, where he spent 15 years of his career. Blanc’s background spans various top organizations in the industry, including The Freeman Companies and GES Expositions, where he was a national sales manager for both companies.

Gareth Rapley

RX (Reed Exhibitions) has announced the appointment of Gareth Rapley as the new Director of The London Book Fair (LBF). The first fair under Gareth’s leadership will take place next year from 18 – 20 April 2023. With thirteen years of experience delivering large-scale international events, Rapley has worked across a number of industries, including agriculture, finance, technology, and, most recently, the energy sector.