Vanessa Cotton to leave ExCeL London
Vanessa Cotton, Managing Director of Conferences and Events at ExCeL London, has announced she is to leave the venue after almost four years in the role.
"My objectives when I joined ExCeL London were to help establish the venue as an international destination for major events, grow the conference and events business, and create a world-class team, and I'm really proud of the fact that we have achieved all of those things," said Cotton. "I have had a truly wonderful time during the past four years, worked with some amazing and inspirational people and achieved much, but it’s now time to move on to my next challenge."
Since Cotton's arrival at ExCeL, conference and events business has grown significantly and now accounts for around 30% of total revenue.
Commenting on Cotton's decision to leave, Chief Executive Kevin Murphy said: “Vanessa has been instrumental in making ExCeL London what it is today, and we will all miss her enthusiasm, professionalism and good humour. She has become a valued and trusted colleague and leaves ExCeL London in very good shape."
ExCeL London was acquired by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company for £321m earlier this year. The venue's Chief Executive at the time, Jamie Buchan, also stepped down following the announcement of the acquisition. He was replaced by former Deputy Managing Director Kevin Murphy. Cotton remains tight-lipped about her next challenge but an announcement is expected shortly.
