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This Just In

UFI Elects Informa’s Michael Duck as its Next President

Sue Pelletier, Senior Editor
The UFI Trio, from left to right: Anbu Varathan, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturer’s Association, 2020-2021 UFI President; 2021-2022 UFI President Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; incoming 2022-2023 UFI President Michael Duck, who is Executive Vice President-Commercial Development with Informa Markets/EVP-Commercial Development with Informa Group

PARIS — The Board of Directors of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has elected Michael Duck as its future president. He will take the lead for the 2022-2023 term, taking the place of 2021-2022 UFI President Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Anbu Varathan, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturer’s Association, is the 2020-2021 outgoing UFI President. The decision will go into effect at the conclusion of the 88th UFI Global Congress, which runs November 3-6 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Duck, who is Executive Vice President-Commercial Development with Informa Markets, said, “It is a real honor and privilege to be following in the footsteps of the ‘greats’ in the exhibition industry.”

As UFI’s incoming President, Duck will work closely with the current and outgoing Presidents — the Presidential Trio — to help UFI in its mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry globally.

Related. Informa Markets Elevates Michael Duck to Vice President — Commercial Development

“To be part of the leadership of the new UFI Trio during this time of COVID-19 is a challenge and a responsibility that I will take very seriously,” Duck said. “The next three years will show how we as an industry will reform, reinvent, renew and reinvigorate as we know and understand the benefits we bring to millions of people, and society as a whole.”

Duck has long been active with UFI, having served in various roles over the past 25 years, including the Founding Chairperson of both UFI’s Asia-Pacific Chapter and UFI’s Sustainability Committee. His position with Informa, the world’s largest exhibition organizer, also puts him in good stead to lead UFI into the post-pandemic future.

Related. Meet the New, More Diverse UFI Board of Directors

“My work with Informa Markets brings many plusses — most importantly, I have a great organization behind me and the support of wonderful people. From our long-standing shows to our latest entries, we are all dealing with the same issues: COVID-19, vaccinations, quarantine, digital, sustainability, diversity, economic recognition, etc. I believe this helps enormously in trying to give my industry perspective to UFI, and of course I learn from others for the benefit of my company, Informa, as well.

“I wish to thank President Anbu Varathan, [2019-2020] Past President Mary Larkin, and incoming President Monica Lee-Muller for having the confidence in me for this role. I would also like to thank the UFI Board of Directors for their vote.

“And I would like to give a big ‘shout out’ to the wonderful team across the world of UFI, led by the very capable [UFI CEO and Managing Director] Kai Hattendorf. I look forward to working even more closely with them in the future.”

Related. Power Lunch With Michael Duck: Asia Markets — From Boom to Bust (and Back Again?)

Reach Michael Duck at Michael.Duck@informa.com

 

 

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