Business Events Adelaide has revealed a refreshed business development team, including a number of key appointments and internal promotions, as part of a revitalised organisational structure.
The newly promoted Director of National Bidding and Events, Marcia Mudge, will be supported by three experienced Business Development Managers. Rechelle Hatcher joins the team to take over the NSW region, and Mark Burns will manage the Victorian market, whilst local industry mainstay Paul Shaw has been appointed to oversee the Rest of Australia and New Zealand.
The international association business development team has been bolstered by the recruitment of Marc Leopold as Business Development Manager, whilst long serving domestic BDM Edgar Navarro-Perez comes across to become Senior International Business Development Manager.
Business Events Adelaide’s commitment to the growth opportunities offered internationally is further demonstrated by its strong presence in Asia, with Director of Asia Helen Xu joined by Jessie Yu in promoting Adelaide as the ideal corporate incentive destination.
The global effort will be led by Mark Phelps, who has stepped up to become Director for International Bidding.
Supporting the new business development structure is a reinvigorated approach to research, led by Andrew McKenna as Research Manager. Courtney Wilkinson also joins the team in the pivotal role of Business Development Associate, bringing with her experience of events, sponsorship and marketing.
Damien Kitto, Business Events Adelaide’s Chief Executive Officer, says that the changes are exciting and gear the team for growth. ‘We are delighted with the calibre of applicants that we were able to attract, especially from outside the business events sector,’ said Mr Kitto. ‘We felt it was really important to find the right people that will propel our business forward and fit seamlessly into our Team Adelaide culture, and that is exactly what we have done’.
Mr Kitto also recognised the importance of providing an internal career pathway. ‘It is pleasing to be able to reward the strong performance of Marcia, Mark and Edgar, and to help them take the next steps in their careers. Promoting quality people from within allows for continuity for our members and clients, and a strong foundation from which our new team members will thrive’.
Business Events Adelaide will be looking to build on near record sales results from last year. ‘Whilst we don’t yet have final numbers, FY24 was extremely strong,’ said Mr Kitto. ‘We know how desirable Adelaide is as a business events destination, and there are significant opportunities for growth, especially internationally. With greater aviation access likely, future-proofing our international business development and research efforts will help us make the most of these opportunities’ Mr Kitto added.
‘I’m confident with the new team now in place and quickly getting up to speed, we can continue getting strong domestic results, and aim even higher globally’.
