People Moves
PEOPLE MOVES
2 MINUTES WITH…
I have an understanding of the
difference I can make in the next
few years.
How do you intend to face the
challenges in the industry?
Craig Le Roux, business
development director –
expo at Freeman
There is a great variety of
challenges in the events and
exhibitions industry and if we look
at it as a whole, they can seem
insurmountable. I believe that the
only way we will overcome these
challenges is by taking them on,
one at a time, and making sure we
stay true to ourselves, our mission,
and our values in conquering them
collaboratively.
Biggest frustration?
How did you get into the event
industry?
I actually fell into events. I started
back in the day with Expo Media
in Watford, and to be fair, I applied
more because of the convenience
of the location than the industry.
It only took one trip to an event
in Moscow and I was completely
hooked.
Forgetting why we do what we do:
to create brilliant live events that
deliver brand experiences and
make our customers’ life better.
Crowning moment?
1.
The ITE Group’s fashion
portfolio has announced
the appointment of Adam
2.
Gough (2) as the new event
director for fashion trade
shows Jacket Required and
Moda.
Blitz, a GES company has
appointed Zak Roby (3) as
commercial director.
3.
Mitra Esmizadeh (4) has
started a new position as
UK director for agency
William Morris Endeavor.
She was previously UK
sales director.
Aside from the birth of my three
daughters, the greatest joy for me
is to see an event come to life that
I’ve facilitated when it was just a
concept. It’s an amazing feeling.
Favourite thing about events?
The people and the camaraderie. We
all work hard towards a 3common
goal and it creates stronger teams
than I’ve seen in any other industry.
Best piece of advice?
When you’re asking someone how
they are, listen to the answer.
4.
Dream job?
What do you think you can bring
to the new role? I’m doing it right now.
I hope I can bring a fresh outlook
on business development. Having
been with the organising side for so
long, I’m confident I can solve most
problems for organisers before they
even think about them, which is our
focus at Freeman. Who is the individual you most
admire?
What have you done in the first
month in the job? At EN HQ, we take our coffee
very seriously - how do you take
your coffee?
I think I’ve almost figured out where
my desk is! In all seriousness, I’ve
started working on our European
and UK strategy a bit more and feel
Alex Honnold. He climbed the
highest rock face in the world,
without ropes. He trained hard,
overcame the fear, and became a
legend.
Intravenously? Does that count?
Otherwise, a great cappuccino will
do. EN
Mark Riches (1) , co-
founder and non-executive
director of FIRST, has left
the agency after 23 years.
Riches will continue to
support FIRST’s growth
from the sidelines, as the
company approaches its
25th anniversary.
5.
6.
Sarah Whittaker (5) has
moved into a new role as
chief marketing officer
at BRICKLIVE GROUP,
which stages Lego branded
events worldwide. She
was previously head of
event sales, marketing and
content for Player1 Events.
Creative communications
group DRPG has appointed
Lord Digby Jones (6) to its
board as a non-executive
director.
Lord Jones is well-known
for his outspoken and
unwavering support of UK
businesses.
June — 59