After 6 very successful years as the driving force behind the remarkable transformation of one of the UK’s leading convention complexes, Lesley Tomlinson has decided to take a step back and will leave her position as Chief Executive of Manchester Central next month.
The venue has announced that Angie Robinson, CEO of Manchester inward investment agency MIDAS, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Manchester Central, and will take up her new role on September 1st.
Commenting on her appointment Angie Robinson said; “Having spent 6 years as a non exec on the board of Manchester Central I was delighted to be approached to take on such an exciting role."
"Lesley has handed me a fantastic team of people and a venue that is now the envy of the industry. Manchester Central is already on such a roll, I can’t wait to get on with pushing it even further.”
Outgoing CEO Lesley Tomlinson will remain on the board and looks forward to the next exciting chapter for her cherished Manchester Central. Lesley comments; “This has not been an easy decision for me as this has quite simply been the best job I have ever had."
"I am really proud of what we have achieved over the last 6 years; the transformation of the building, the development of the brand and the hard earned reputation as a market leader. Delivered through incredible team work and the commitment of the whole team – I leave Manchester Central in very safe hands.”
During her time at Manchester Central Lesley has been instrumental in the reinvention of the venue, transforming it into an internationally recognised convention complex with an impressive £30 million redevelopment. The investment ‘brought a stunning new look to the venue’ and has enhanced its offering by adding floor space, flexible meeting rooms, banqueting and technical facilities.
Lesley adds; “Angie is the ideal person to hand the baton to. I was determined to handover to someone who shared my passion and enthusiasm for the business. Angie has been on the board of Manchester Central from the start, we've worked closely together and I cannot think of anyone better to 'carry on the mission’.”
Commenting on Lesley’s role in Manchester Central’s growing success, Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said; “Manchester Central has not just repositioned itself in the market place, it has developed a very strong business model that has generated significant economic results for the city."
"Lesley has been instrumental in providing the drive and the direction for that turnaround, as well as successfully delivering the carefully sequenced redevelopment that has transformed the venue into a conference destination of world-class standing.”
John Early, Chair of Manchester Central added; “ I am extremely sorry to be losing Lesley as Chief Executive of Manchester Central, though I understand and respect her wish to be able to spend more time with her family."
'During the time she has been in post, Lesley and her team have transformed what was the old G-Mex and MICC, into the country’s premier convention and exhibition facility that is Manchester Central today. I am extremely grateful to Lesley for the leadership, enthusiasm and vision she has given to the role."
"I look forwarding to welcoming Angie in her new role and working with her to take Manchester Central on the next stage of its development.”
Manchester Central’s success is showing no signs of slowing down. In 2011 the venue has won a string of 5 industry awards including Best Conference venue outside London at the Conference Awards, and highly commended in the Best Exhibition Venue category at the Exhibition News awards.
The Chartered Institute of Housing has recently announced that its Annual Conference and Housing Exhibition will move to Manchester Central from June 2012, generating an estimated £2million in economic impact for Manchester each year.
The venue regularly welcomes high-profile events such as TUC, Unison, and large medical symposiums, and will host the Conservative Party Annual Autumn Conference in October.
