Next March sees Julie Driscoll at the helm of Spring and Autumn Fair, taking over from current managing director Louise Young who will become the UK regional director for the ITE Group. Julie is currently managing director of the Fashion Portfolio and has been working in the events industry for over ten years.
“Under the new ownership of the ITE Group, these major retail events will deliver a higher return on investment for our exhibitors and an unrivalled return on time for buyers,” comments Julie. “It’s an exciting time for the industry and one that I’m looking forward to helping our customers navigate for their continued business success.”
Louise will leave her current role in January 2019, helping the business to finalise growth plans, as well as ensuring a smooth handover.
“I took over the reins of these shows from the prior managing director Alison Jackson, who I had worked with for many years,” explains Louise. “Julie and I have also worked closely together for nine years, so I am delighted to be passing these shows into her capable hands.“
Louise adds that the events are now well set up with investment plans in place that she developed with OC&C Strategy Consultants and ITE’s head of strategy, ensuring that the shows will benefit from an ongoing investment programme. She has also recently successfully re-edited and repositioned Autumn Fair.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave,” Louise admitted, “and one that I have given significant thought to. However, it is absolutely the right time for me to consider other opportunities.”
Top: The NEC in Birmingham, home of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.
