Following a competitive recruitment process, ICC Belfast Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall (BWUH Ltd) has appointed Rob McConnell as the new chief executive.
McConnell is a board director and former NI head of global technology firm, Expleo.
McConnell is a leader in the digital sector in Northern Ireland, with experience growing fast-moving software and technology businesses in local and global markets, and has been a non-executive director on the board of IBWUH Ltd since April 2023.
His commercial experience in strategic solution sales and business transformation has supported the growth of Expleo Technology (Ireland) and Expleo Group (Global) under his leadership.
As a leader in Northern Ireland’s startup digital community, McConnell chaired Momentum, the representative body for digital industries, and collaborated with public sector leaders to strengthen digital technology’s role in economic growth and advocate for the sector during a critical growth period.
As CEO, McConnell will lead a team of over 300 across Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built International Convention Centre, ICC Belfast, along with the iconic Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall venues.
BWUH Ltd chair, Steve Daniels said: “We are confident that Rob understands the opportunities for growth and development of our business. He shares our vision to create a world-class stage for extraordinary international business and live entertainment events. We are excited to have him in this important leadership role, which has the potential to deliver results not only for our venues but for the city of Belfast and the wider region.”
McConnell said: “I am confident that the ingredients are in place to make ICC Belfast one of the most sought-after conference and events destinations in these islands and much further afield. It is a great privilege to be leading this forward as Chief Executive and I am very much looking forward to it.”
