ASM Global – the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management and event strategy - today announces the appointment of Julie Driscoll, as the new Chief Executive Officer of Olympia London.
Olympia London’s managing director, Nigel Nathan, will remain in a consultancy role for three months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Driscoll is an entrepreneurial leader, with 25 years of B2C and B2B experience driving stellar growth through building and leading multi-functional teams within Hyve, Ascential, Emap, WVIP and Highbury House Communications plc. Currently the Divisional Managing Director for Retail, Manufacturing and Engineering at Hyve Group plc, Chair of the Association of Exhibition Organisers and board member of the Events Industry Alliance, Julie has a proven track record for transforming legacy brands such as Spring and Autumn Fair, Pure London, Breakbulk and Cwieme. Julie joins Olympia London with vast experience in running the UK’s largest trade events and crossindustry collaboration via the AEO and EIA.
Julie Driscoll said, I am thrilled to be joining Olympia London under the management of ASM Global – a world leader of event venues and entertainment. For 136 years Olympia London has been the home of inspirational events. In partnership with the venue’s owners, Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International, I very much look forward to working with the wonderful Olympia London team, to position the venue as a world class destination for the next 100 years.”
Driscoll will step down as Chair of the AEO. She adds, “Being welcomed so warmly by the industry as the AEO’s second female Chair was an absolute honor. I would like to thank Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of the AEO, the wider AEO team, the Exec and the board for their support and incredible hard work. The AEO is an important organization supporting and nurturing the thriving exhibitions’ industry. It has been such a joy to be part of the AEO community and I look forward to seeing what I know will be their successful journey ahead”
Chris Bray, Executive Vice President of ASM Global Europe said, “We are delighted to welcome Julie to the ASM Global team. Julie has an ambitious vision for Olympia London, an eye for operational excellence, and joins us with exceptional experience as a highly skilled entrepreneurial leader, working successfully with renowned brands and some of the UK’s biggest trade events. We are confident that Julie will bring enormous value, drive growth and lead Olympia London towards a tremendously exciting future.”
Nigel Nathan, added, “I am so proud to have worked with such an amazing and passionate team at Olympia London for the last 23 years. We’ve achieved so much together. Finding the right person to lead our glorious venue into its exciting future was vital. Julie brings impressive experience from across the events industry, and a strong vision for how to build upon Olympia London’s heritage of hosting events that have helped drive the economy and delighted millions of visitors for the last 136 years.”
Olympia London has been a cultural and architectural landmark since opening its doors in 1886. Today, it is one of London’s busiest venues, and in recent years has attracted more than 1.6 million visitors and hosted over 200 events each year. ASM Global was appointed to run operations at Olympia London, the premier exhibition centre in central London and one of Europe’s most historic venues, in March of this year. The ASM Global team oversee management responsibility for the exhibition and events business as ASM continues to expand its footprint in Europe, bringing its global knowledge sharing to enable Olympia London to compete harder in international markets.
Driscoll begins her new role as Chief Executive Officer at Olympia London on 5 December 2022.
ENDS
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About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit https://www.asmglobal.com/
About Olympia London
From breath-taking consumer shows and thrilling sporting and music events, to colourful trade shows, Olympia London is the home of inspirational events. Located in the heart of London, its atmosphere, distinctive architecture and 136-year heritage are a magnet for the best and boldest events in the UK.
The venue is a leader in sustainability and the first venue to achieve certification to the international standard for sustainable events, ISO 20121. It has sent zero waste to landfill for over a decade and in 2021, Olympia London was one of the first UK event businesses to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.
Olympia London will soon be part of a larger destination for arts, culture and entertainment. This new creative district will boost the London economy with spaces for performing arts, live music, eating and drinking, hotels, co-working, and beautiful open spaces for everyone to enjoy. In 2022, Olympia London joined ASM Global’s portfolio of 350+ international venues as it builds towards an exciting new era.