MPI has appointed Gerrit Jessen, CMP as President of MPI’s European Council.

The European Council is the regional representative body of MPI's members in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In his role, Gerrit will be responsible for providing recommendations on opportunities for development and growth of MPI in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

These will be consistent with MPI's global strategy while enhancing it.

He is taking over from Sebastien Tondeur and will closely liaise with Joyce Dogniez, CMM, MPI Director of Operations EMEA in his current role.

Joyce Dogniez, CMM comments: "Gerrit’s strong industry background and knowledge of the sector will be an invaluable asset to develop strong relationships for the European Council that will undoubtedly benefit to all members. We are confident that in his role he will make a difference by providing the relevant recommendations on opportunities for development and growth of MPI not only Europe but also in the Middle East and Africa.”

Gerrit’s commitment with MPI started in 1999 when he was named Board member for International Relations before becoming President of the Germany Chapter from 2003 to 2005.

In 2003, he co-chaired the host committee for the MPI PEC-E in Berlin. Since 2006 he serves as a member on the European Council and will now, as its President, represent all European Chapters at the IBOD (International Board of Directors) in 2007/2008.

Gerrit is Managing Partner of p’concept Berlin, an agency for international congress & event management based in Berlin, Germany.

Besides 15 years of agency management background he has 12 years experience in hotel management working in Berlin, London, and Washington D.C for Hilton, InterContinental, Kempinski and Steigenberger Hotels.