NEC poaches new revenue director from top shopping centre

The NEC Group has poached the general manager of one of the region’s top shopping centres to be its new revenue development kingpin.

Andy Cole will join the group on January 2 as Revenue Development Director.

He has been lured from Lendlease where he was serving as general manager of Solihull’s Touchwood centre.

In his new role, he will be asked with bringing new opportunities for the group’s customers, partners and visitors. The role will span venues including the ICC and the wider NEC Group.

Mr Cole has a 20-year career in the retail and hospitality sectors, having previously worked at the Ramada Hotel Solihull and Arnos Manor Hotel, Bristol.

Speaking of the appointment, he said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the NEC soon. This new role will allow me to exercise all the skills and experience I have obtained over my career, and also offers wider opportunities for the existing and new customers to the NEC and the wider campus.

“My role at Touchwood Solihull has given me good local knowledge of the NEC and, having visited many events in both a personal and professional capacity over the years, I believe I’ll be able to identify opportunities at the NEC with the teams quickly and help to further enhance the customer journey and commercial offering.”

Kathryn James, managing director of NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andy to the NEC team and the wider group. He has strong change management skills and his experience will help drive positive change within the business.

“The NEC campus has become a 24/7 destination, and with that comes a responsibility to enhance what we offer to visitors and improve the overall customer experience. It is in this area that Andy will be a great asset to the team and help bring in new opportunities to bring our vision to life.”