Mark Taylor is to become the new chief executive of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), the Government announced today (5 March).

Taylor will replace Ernest Vincent, who is stepping down, on 4 April 2013. The appointment follows an open recruitment competition lasting several months.

Communities and local Ggovernment minister Baroness Hanham said: “I am delighted that Mark Taylor has been appointed as the new chief executive of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. With his excellent credentials, he will be a real asset to the conference centre.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ernest Vincent for his 10 years of service. He has provided firm leadership in this time, regularly meeting its financial target and providing a high-quality venue for its clients. I wish him much success with his future plans and ventures.”

Taylor has had 30 years of experience of events and venues. His roles have included being assistant director of the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau; marketing manager of the Wembley Convention and Exhibition Centre and subsequently of Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena. He was also director of sales and marketing for Wembley International; commercial and buildings director of the Barbican, and chief executive of the Wales Millennium Centre.

Most recently Taylor had been working as an associate of a specialist events and venues consultancy practice, Why Not Consulting.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to take over the reins of this most prestigious and successful centre,” says Taylor. “With its extraordinary location, performance track record and superb industry reputation, the opportunity to lead The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is a very exciting one indeed.

“Stemming from my previous London roles I have for many years been a keen admirer and friend of the Centre, as well as a key collaborative partner and competitor. I am really looking forward to working with the team in continuing the Centre’s success and operating again in the heart of London, particularly after the capital’s most amazing past year of global event successes”.          

Taylor currently serves as an non-executive director of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is married with two children.

The QEIICC is an executive agency of DCLG with trading fund status. The Department owns the freehold of the building.

The Chief Executive of The QEIICC is a Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1 post. From 13 March until 3 April, John French, The QEIICC’s Finance Director, will be designated by HM Treasury as The QEIICC’s interim Accounting Officer.

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