Fespa has expanded the roles of Michael Ryan and James Ford, naming the two group exhibition managers and reflecting the organisation’s ambitious global expansion plans.
Ryan will play a pivotal role in Fespa’s new business development, taking responsibility for the forthcoming launch of Fespa Africa 2014, together with the established Mexico exhibition, and Fespa Brasil and Eurasia, the second editions of which will take place over the next two years. Ford’s remit will cover the main European exhibitions, including Fespa Digital, plus its Asian events including Fespa China.
Ryan has been with Fespa for over a decade, actively building the European event, and – since 2008 - driving the launch of Fespa’s events in Mexico, Brazil and Turkey. Ford has been a member of the Fespa sales team since 2005, and has been instrumental in the year-on-year growth of the European events, and the development of Fespa’s event in Asia. He is currently spearheading sales activity for the forthcoming inaugural Fespa China.
Neil Felton said: “In less than a decade, Fespa has transformed from an international trade association with a single, three-yearly European event, to a global event brand with a footprint on four continents, and a growing reputation for content-rich business events attracting senior decision makers. Mike and James have been instrumental in this development, and their promotion now gives them full ownership of sales and exhibitor account management for the events they work on.
Fespa has also reinforced its growing events and marketing teams with the promotion of Michela Marcantonio to senior events executive, and Leighona Bradford to marketing executive.