BREAKING NEWS: SECC Chief John Sharkey to step down

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Chief Executive John Sharkey has told CN he is to step down from the role at Easter 2014.
SHARE
DBpixelhouse
DBpixelhouse

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) Chief Executive John Sharkey has told CN he is to step down from the role at Easter 2014. The news follows the announcement last week that SECC Sales and Marketing Director Ben Goedegebuure is to leave the venue to work for Maritz Travel Company in the New Year.

Sharkey has been with holding company SEC for 11 years, and was appointed Chief Executive in 2008 and recently oversaw the successful launch of the SSE Hydro arena.

Speaking exclusively to CN, Sharkey said it was “the best time to make a move – from a position of strength”.

“With the successful opening of the Hydro and a great year for conferences and big events ahead, it is a good time to draw a line,” he added.

Sharkey continued: “I am not off immediately, and will be here until Easter 2014.”

It was, he added, a natural time to take on his next career challenge and allow a new successor to consolidate the potential of the expanded SECC business.

The company says it will launch a recruitment process and will consider both internal and external candidates.

Sharkey said he was “immensely proud of what the SEC team has achieved during my time with the business. Seeing the Hydro from its gestation through construction to its successful opening was immensely satisfying.

“It is undoubtedly a massive privilege to have had this opportunity and now it’s time for me to take on another challenge,” Sharkey added, saying that he would be looking for a similar challenge within a ’step-change’ environment where he could add value, possibly in a B2C, B2B, venue or campus role.

Sir Ian Grant, Chairman of SEC, said: “John has been an excellent business leader for SEC and, as the man who led the team that has brought us the SSE Hydro, has displayed remarkable vision, determination and sheer hard work.

“In addition, John has successfully led the transformation of the business model of the SEC to provide a sharper focus on conferences, exhibitions and ticketing and substantially increased the contributing permance of all three businesses during a challenging construction period.

“His are big shoes to fill and he will leave behind a fantastic legacy.

“On behalf of the SEC Board, I offer our thanks and wish John every success in the future.”

George Black, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, SEC’s major shareholder, said: “The SECC campus is a world-class entertainment and conference venue and a vital part of Glasgow’s economy.

“I wish John well in his future endeavours and I look forward to working very closely with his successor.”

Do you have news for CN? Email: pcolston@mashmedia.net

Add to favorites Remove from favorites
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print
DBpixelhouse
Drapers Hall
Drapers Hall