Meet Our Leadership Team

Bio: Gareth joined CloserStill in 2019 and was appointed the Group CEO in 2020. During his tenure CloserStill has undergone a significant period of growth, resulting in the business more than doubling in size since he joined. Prior to CloserStill he spent 10 years working in the Sports Marketing and Advertising industry at Chime Communications. During his time at Chime he worked in a number of different roles spanning Strategy, Finance and M&A and supported the business through a period of significant expansion, particularly into North America.

Favourite Album: George Michael - Ladies & Gentlemen

First CSM Event: The Pharmacy Show 2011

Bio: Drawing upon more than two decades of experience in the event and exhibition industry, Matthew has held the position of Group Managing Director at CloserStill since December 2018. His CloserStill journey began in 2010 in the role of Event Director, with a focus on our healthcare portfolio. Leveraging and expanding on his background in exhibition sales and direction, he has since been orchestrating the strategies and direction of CloserStill, overseeing our Healthcare (including veterinary), Technology, Hosted Buyer portfolios, as well as launches and new ventures. His award-winning team organise industry-leading, large-scale events that consistently draw more than 200,000 specialist delegates and 10,000+ premier suppliers year-on-year.  He was appointed Chair of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in 2023, helping to represent the industry and support members in solving challenges and innovating, including on issues around sustainability.

Favourite Album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

First CSM Event: The London Vet Show 2014, whilst working at ITE.

Bio: Suzanne has more than 30 years experience in the exhibitions and events industry, having started at Earls Court and Olympia Group eventually becoming the Group Finance Director. She enjoyed stints at Reed Exhibitions as UK Finance Director and ITE Group plc as Director of Corporate Development, before joining CloserStill in 2017. Signing more than 2,000 documents during the last sale process is a 'highlight'.

Favourite Album: The Stone Roses (Self-Titled)

First CSM Event: London Vet Show 2009

Bio: Alexia has been a part of the fabric of CloserStill since the very beginning. She has an extensive background in exhibition strategy, marketing and leadership. She has been highly decorated over the years with many Best Trade Show and Best Marketing Campaign trophies and was even awarded the Most Inspirational Leader at the AEO Centenary Awards. However, when asked what she is most proud of, she will always say ‘watching CloserStill grow from just a handful of staff to over 600 employees by creating an environment where youth and talent can thrive.’

Favourite Album: Queen - Greatest Hits

First CSM Event: Health + Care - 2016

Bio: Sam joined CloserStill in 2016. Sam qualified as an accountant in audit with KPMG and subsequently moved into industry where she worked with both SME and large FSTE 100 companies.  Sam was drawn to exhibitions and particularly CloserStill due to the strength of the business and the growth opportunities and plans across the Group. Sam is proud to have supported the Group over significant change and expansion and enjoys working with a great team.

Favourite Album: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

First CSM Event: London Vet Show 2023

Bio: Our Director of Corporate Affairs & Partnerships, Simon Smith, brings two decades of corporate governance experience to CloserStill. Simon's journey with us began in October 2023, to help drive  business growth and support the continued success of our board and executive team.

Simon is a Chartered Company Secretary by training and spent over 14 years in the events industry, most recently on the Board of Tarsus Group. Prior to this Simon worked in a range of other sectors at KPMG, BG Group plc, Associated British Foods plc and PartyGaming plc, helping them to establish robust corporate processes to support their growth strategies.

 

Favourite Album: Styx

First CSM Event: Chicago Vet - 2022

Bio: With almost 20 years of experience, Yancy’s passion for events, and trade shows and exhibitions being an integral part of our customers business growth strategies, keeps her motivated and excited. She is a firm believer that the people we work with are equally as important as they are creative, entrepreneurial, dynamic and results oriented. The building of CloserStill’s North American business presents a great opportunity for us globally, and Yancy is honoured to lead this journey.

Favourite Album: Dr Feelgood - Down by the Jetty

First CSM Event: The Pharmacy Show - 2008

Bio: Phil was a founder of CloserStill and has been closely involved in most of our major launches and in developing small, acquired events into major trade shows. This includes the London Vet Show, Cloud Expo and Data Centre World. He was responsible for running the commercial team and creating CloserStill Entry-Level programme that’s introduced so many talented people to the business. From 2012, he turned his focus to making CSM an international business building the teams that launched us into mainland Europe, Asia and North America. He sits on the board and still tries his hand at helping onsite at events - when he’s allowed to!

Favourite Album: Cavalleria Rusticana

First CSM Event: The London Vet Show - 2009

Bio: Phil founded CloserStill in 2009 alongside Andy Center. He has held the position of Chairman since 2009 and CEO from 2016 to 2020. He is the past Chairman of Nottingham Forest FC and Japanese Publisher of the Year. Phil has previously held the post of Chairman of the AEO and Chair of the Events Committee of the AEO for the past 10 years. He is proudly a long-time Guest Editor of Exhibition News. He is also the official historian of both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Favourite Album: Seldom Seen Kid - Elbow

First CSM Event: The Pharmacy Show - 2008

Bio: Michael is one of CloserStill's co-founders when the business started life on a pig farm in 2008 in Warwickshire. In the early years, he directed CloserStill's ever-evolving Healthcare Portfolio and since 2015 has focussed on market strategy for the Group. Michael has been instrumental in our international expansion while leading the corporate development and setting up the M&A function since 2016, overseeing numerous successful acquisitions.