Excel London has appointed Sam Gibson as chief information officer, a newly created executive role at the venue. Gibson joins with more than 20 years in technology leadership, most recently as digital IT director at Clarion Events, and has also worked across the property and construction sectors.
The appointment sits inside a larger push: Excel is partway through a £350m investment programme covering its facilities, infrastructure and connectivity. The centrepiece so far is a £220m, 25,000 sqm expansion of its International Convention Centre, which the venue says makes it the largest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe. Gibson will lead the next phase of that connectivity work, which Excel says it will announce in detail shortly.
Excel opened on the Royal Victoria Dock in November 2000 and marks 25 years in operation this year. It has been owned by Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Group since 2008.
“Technology and connectivity are increasingly fundamental to the experience our customers expect and to the future of world-class events,” said Jeremy Rees, chief executive of Excel London. “Sam’s appointment strengthens our executive team and brings further focus to an area that will play an increasingly important role in Excel’s future growth.”
Gibson said: “The expectations of organisers, exhibitors and visitors are evolving rapidly, and technology has a key role to play in creating outstanding event experiences. I’m looking forward to building on the venue’s strong foundations and helping shape a connected, customer-led technology strategy.”