CHICAGO — UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced Chris Skeith, OBE, will serve as the organization’s next CEO. Skeith will take the helm effective Jan. 1, 2025, with Kai Hattendorf departing in mid-January.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our great industry, now on a global level at UFI. I am joining a UFI team that is already setting the global standard on research, advocacy, collaboration and community excellence, and I will do my very best to build on the great work that has been done in the last decade,” Skeith stated.
Skeith comes into the role with years of industry experience, including his most recent tenure as CEO of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), where he has been serving since 2014. Over the course of his career, he has also led the development of the Audit Bureau of Circulations’ auditing products for the event sector, oversaw the merger of AEC and BECA to form the Event Supplier and Services Association while working at the Events Industry Alliance, and served as Director of the Association of Event Venues prior to joining AEO.
“We interviewed several excellent candidates both from within and outside of UFI, and with Chris, we are convinced that we have selected an excellent leader to continue the development and evolution of UFI as our industry’s globally leading trade body,” stated UFI President Geoff Dickinson. “Chris has been active in UFI for many years chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from event management to advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”
“Chris’s long and stalwart service at AEO has earned him the credibility to elevate UFI’s performance to new heights for our members,” said Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, and the President-Elect of the 2024-2025 period for UFI.
