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This Just In

Clarion Events Taps Lisa Hannant To Be CEO

VINCENT ALONZO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
lisa hannant

LONDON — Clarion Events, one of the oldest independent event organizers in the United Kingdom with 50 offices around the world, has chosen Lisa Hannant to become its next CEO. Hannant will take over on October 1. She will succeed Russell Wilcox, who will become Executive Chairman.  

Its a huge privilege to be leading the company as it enters the next stage of its growth and evolution,” said Hannant. “Weve spent the last two years really focusing on creating a customer-centric way of working across the organization. This work continues and is an essential part of what, I hope, Clarion will stand for in the future.” 

Hannant has had a strong record of success since joining Clarion in 2008.  She became the group managing director in 2013, tasked with overseeing the organization’s international expansion. Under her direction, Clarion has grown significantly in key US, European and Asian markets. In addition to the UK, the company currently has over 1,600 global employees in Germany, Netherlands, US, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, and South Africa.  

Hannant and Wilcox will continue to collaborate once she takes the helm.  

Lisa and I have worked closely together for the past decade and Im looking forward to supporting her and the rest of the team in this next phase. There are huge opportunities for Clarion: building on the strength of our products and people; and our commitment to our customersgrowth and success. Exciting times lie ahead under Lisas leadership,” said Wilcox. 

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 Wilcox’s support of Hannant in assuming the top job is reflective of a philosophy of inclusion that permeates the organization. Clarion has a reputation for not only being supportive of equity in the workplace but accountable as well. For the past two years the company has measured its progress in bridging the pay gap between male and female employees through an annual Gender Pay Gap Report.  Last year, when Hannant spoke on a session on Women Leadership in the Exhibition Industry hosted by Women in Exhibitions, Clarion put on demand video of the event on the company website and encouraged all employees to view it.  

 As for the future, Hannant is confident Clarion is going in the right direction. At the announcement of her appointment as CEO, she said: The return to live events over the past year has gone well, with many of our events back to 2019 levels. Were seeing significant growth with digital and organic launches across the business, not to mention some important acquisitions that are contributing significantly. 

Weve spent the last two years really focusing on creating a customer-centric way of working across the organization. This work continues and is an essential part of what, I hope, Clarion will stand for in the future. If we can build the highest levels of customer value and satisfaction, then we will have an incredibly strong and resilient business.” 

Reach Lisa Hannant at lisa.hannant@clarionevents.com or 020 7618 9162; Russell Wilcox at 020 7618 9162

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