New CEO for GainingEdge
Melbourne-founded global business events consultancy business GainingEdge has appointed Steen Jakobsen as its new CEO.
Although he will move to GainingEdge from a biopharmaceutical company when he starts his new role on September 1, Jakobsen has a long history in the business events industry.
He spent more than 14 years as a director of Copenhagen Convention Bureau and has sat on the boards of the Green Meetings Council, the BestCities Global Alliance, where he was also chair for three years, and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Jakobsen also spent more than nine years as vice president of Dubai Business Events.
“Steen brings enormous business and communications acumen to our company, and a strong strategic vision in areas like destination development, sales and marketing, product innovation and event management,” said GainingEdge executive chair, Gary Grimmer.
“He also brings clear vision, leadership skills and broad networks that will help us to power global destination and association communities.
“Steen knows how to work with both public and private stakeholders to build the economic and societal impact of meetings and events.”
Business Events Wellington appoints new Australian BDM
Belinda Yeo is Business Events Wellington’s new business development manager for the Australian market.
Yeo has over 16 years’ experience in the events industry, including in business development for Dockside Group and as an in-house and consultant event manager for a couple of law firms.
Originally a Sydneysider, Yeo has lived in New Zealand for nearly a decade and moved to Wellington in 2021, where she will be based.
“I am thrilled to be back in the events sector and part of the Business Events Wellington team,” said Yeo.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with the Australian market and contribute to the growth of Wellington as a leading destination for business events.”
Introducing BCEC’s new facilities director
With considerable experience in asset management, Cliff Jones is joining Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as its facilities director.
Jones’ past experience includes senior engineering roles for internationally branded premium hotels in Australia and internationally, including Sheraton, Le Meridien, Stamford Plaza and Pullman. He also has experience with the likes of JLL and The GPT Group.
Jones joins the venue’s executive leadership team and will oversee building services, facilities management, security, safety, sustainability and community engagement for the convention centre, leading a team of more than 40 staff.
He replaces Ian Chalmers, who has moved to a new role, with retirement on the horizon, after 27 years with BCEC.
