New MD at Derby Conference Centre

Derby Conference Centre has revealed a new managing director.

Matt Hutchings has taken over from Mike Ebbit who retires after 44 years in the industry – the last ten at the Derby Conference Centre.

“It’s been a wonderful time managing The Derby Conference Centre,” Ebbit said. “I’m sad to be leaving of course but I’m really excited for my retirement and being able to spend more time with my family. The last 10 years have been like seeing a child develop into an adult in many ways – we’ve all come a long way during that time, with plenty of challenges of course, but I cannot express how proud I am of the team and how privileged to have worked with them all.”

Hutchings said: “Mike has given so much to The Derby Conference Centre. He’s been a great mentor to myself and I’m keen to continue his hard work. It’s been an honour and pleasure learning from him over the last few months – his knowledge is so valuable in everything we do here at the Centre.

Hutchings has worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 16. He has opened two hotels himself, as well as refurbishing another.

“I have found that you cannot achieve success without investing in people, through development and engagement,” he said. “I’m really excited to inspire the fantastic team we have already at The Derby Conference Centre to think differently and engage them to begin a journey together in which we’ll evolve the Centre into the premier venue it can be. That potential is part of the reason why I was inspired to join The Derby Conference Centre.”