Former ITE Group and Expomedia co-founder Mark Shashoua is putting his feet firmly back into the UK and global exhibition industry as the new group MD of Emap Connect.

His appointment represents one of a series of management changes laid out by Emap’s newly installed CEO Duncan Painter to drive a fresh round of company growth and follows the promotion of current exhibitions chief Malcolm Gough to deputy CEO.

In an announcement to staff, Painter praised Gough’s development of Emap Connect and congratulated him on the promotion.

“Malcolm has contributed considerable value to the organisation in many roles,” Painter stated. “His new responsibilities include defining and executing a range of growth plans for the business.”

Shashoua has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibition industry as one of the founders of ITE Group and Expomedia Group. Most recently, he became a partner in father Roger Shashoua’s Expofund business and worked on a consultancy basis as an industry adviser.

Painter said Shashoua’s international expertise will be critical in developing Emap’s long-term exhibition prospects.

“Mark has a long history of building successful businesses right around the world in the exhibition and conference arena,” Painter continued. “Mark will play a critical role in the long-term UK and international growth strategy.”

Other management changes include the resignation of Emap’s chief financial officer Martyn Hindley and appointment of interim manager John Gulliver. Emap has also appointed Rebecca Clayton as marketing director as well as Tracey Gray as people director to help improve the company’s staffing strategy.

Painter replaced former chief David Gilbertson following his departure from Emap in September.

Got a news story for EN? Email the editor: ncameron@mashmedia.net