The NEC is has announced the appointment of Andrew Cole as revenue development director.
Cole will join the organisation in January in a role designed to give the NEC additional expertise and specialist resource to bring new opportunities to the venue’s customers, partners and visitors.
The role will also have touchpoints to ICC, Birmingham and the wider NEC Group.
Cole joins the NEC from specialist retail and hospitality centre owners Lendlease, most recently in the role of general manager of Touchwood Solihull. He has built his 20-year career in a variety of roles across retail and hospitality sectors including Ramada Hotel Solihull and Arnos Manor Hotel, Bristol.
Speaking of the appointment, Cole said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the NEC soon. This new role will allow me to exercise all the skills and experience I have obtained over my career, and also offers wider opportunities for the existing and new customers to the NEC and the wider campus.”
Cole added: “My role at Touchwood Solihull has given me good local knowledge of the NEC and, having visited many events in both a personal and professional capacity over the years, I believe I’ll be able to identify opportunities at the NEC with the teams quickly and help to further enhance the customer journey and commercial offering.”
Kathryn James, managing director of NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andy to the NEC team and the wider Group. He has strong change management skills and his experience will help drive positive change within the business.
“The NEC campus has become a 24/7 destination, and with that comes a responsibility to enhance what we offer to visitors and improve the overall customer experience. It is in this area that Andy will be a great asset to the team and help bring in new opportunities to bring our vision to life.”
