ExCeL London has appointed former Emap Group Managing Director Sir David Arculus to the post of chairman.
Arculus replaces Tom King, who stepped down after 9 years at the Docklands venue. King will continue as a non-executive director.
ExCeL London Chief Executive Kevin Murphy said: "This is a very exciting and important appointment for ExCeL London, as David is a respected and leading figure in the business world with impressive credentials.
"His appointment is testament to the success of ExCeL and our continued ambition to maintain our reputation as the UK's premier exhibition and conference centre and a world-class venue. David will play a major role working with the Executive Team to deliver phase 2 and 3 of our expansion plans and I look forward greatly to working with him again."
ExCeL Phase 2 Expansion
Arculus has previously held senior positions at Clarion and Miller Freeman and has also served as Chairman of Earls Court and Olympia Group.
Outside the exhibition area he has chaired O2 plc and also spent a period as chairman of Tony Blair's Better Regulation Task Force. Arculus said: "I am looking forward to being involved with the expansion of ExCeL London and the future plans for the campus. The expansion will enable us to handle some of the biggest international events and to provide facilities for the 2012 Olympics."
ExCeL London's phase two development begins this month. The extension will increase current event space by almost 50%, taking it to just under 100,000 square metres – the equivalent of 14 football pitches.
The plans also include an integrated, covered walkway to Prince Regent Docklands Light Railway station, a conference centre for up to 2,000 delegates, a semi-permanent auditorium for up to 5,000 delegates, a permanent production kitchen, catering for large-scale banquets (up to 5,000 guests), and additional bars and restaurants.
