Tell us a bit about your Background

I’m a mixed bag of European! Half Manchester, half Dutch and lived in France for a chunk of my childhood. Manchester is where the heart is though and a Red through and through. I went to Manchester University before heading down to London where I have now been for 25 years.

 

How did you find out about CloserStill and what made you want to join?

I got my first event role back in the dark ages and worked for Penton Media which later became Ithaca and then CloserStill so I’ve been part of the CSM family since the beginning. Joined in 2009 to launch the London Vet Show and the rest, as they say, is history!

 

What are you most proud of at CloserStill?

There are so many things that I am proud about during my years at CSM. We have achieved so much from incredible launches such as The London Vet Show to amazing acquisitions like Learning Technologies and Pharamgora. It’s been a wonderful journey watching the business grow from just a hand full of people in the Midlands to having global offices and over 300 staff.

The thing I am probably most proud of though is creating an environment where young people thrive and watching my colleagues grow to love the industry we work in as much as I do.

 

What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know and you would like to share?

I’d love to say something outrageous or that will make people gasp but I am a fairly ordinary person these days. In my younger, wilder days, I did however used to work in a bar in Manchester which held many after gigs parties so have met and drunk with many superstars (many of whom most of you won’t have heard of as you’re too young!)……Liam and Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn, Robbie Williams, Lloyd Cole, Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr along with Freddie Flintoff, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and many more sporting heroes!

 

How did you feel being awarded the ‘Inspiring Leader Award’ at the AEO awards?

Incredibly humble and honoured that the people I work with felt I should be nominated and then that the industry then gave me this incredible recognition. It’s the first individual award I have ever won and it is the best one. I’ve spent my career trying to remain true to myself and treat others fairly, helping in whatever way I can. The fact that this inspires people is a bonus I never expected.

 

What are you most looking forward to in 2022 at CloserStill?

The last two years have been a challenge for all of us to say the least. When you’ve been doing a job as long as I have, you think nothing will phase you however, a pandemic certainly pushed the boundaries!

I am feeling extremely positive about 2022. I really think that everything we did in 2020 and 2021 has strengthened us as a business, a culture and our brands have come out stronger. So, I am looking forward to running a full compliment of CSM shows globally and getting back to normal!