New MD appointed for AECC

SMG Europe has appointed former NEC Group managing director Nick Waight as MD of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) ahead of its move to a new home in 2019.

SMG took over the running of the current AECC earlier this year, and will operate the purpose-built £333m new venue when it opens in 2019.

Waight, who left rival venue operator NEC Group in March, will step into his new role in April 2018.

John Sharkey, SMG’s executive vice-president of European operations, comments: “SMG’s expertise in driving multi-purpose exhibition, conference and entertainment content is second to none, and I’m delighted to welcome Nick to the team.

“It will be a privilege to lead the team at the AECC both at the existing venue and transitioning into the fantastic new facility”

“Nick brings with him a wealth of skills and experience in both operational and commercial management, which are the perfect fit for both the existing and new AECC.”

Waight most recently led NEC’s International Convention Centre (ICC) team in delivering the Vox, a £10m conference area at Resorts World Birmingham, and was previously chief executive of Convention Centre Dublin, overseeing the design, build and operation of the £185m venue.

“I am thrilled to be joining SMG Europe at this exciting time in its development,” he says. “I am very grateful to John Sharkey for giving me this opportunity and look forward to taking up the new role in April, when it will be a privilege to lead the team at the AECC both at the existing venue and transitioning into the fantastic new facility in 2019.”

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