Submitted by UFI
Paris- Global association for the exhibition industry UFI has selected Chris Skeith, OBE, as its next chief executive, succeeding Kai Hattendorf on 1 January 2025.
Skeith will join UFI from AEO (Association of Event Organizers), the leading association of event organizers in the UK and internationally, where he has been chief executive since 2014.
“We interviewed several excellent candidates both internally and externally to UFI and, together with Chris, we are confident that we have selected an excellent leader to continue UFI’s growth and evolution as the leading global trade body for our industry,” said Jeff Dickinson, UFI President. “Chris has been active with UFI for many years, chairing the Association Committee and serving on the UFI Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he works closely with our existing management team, Kai and Adeline, on a number of issues from event management to publicity “With his outstanding track record, he is an excellent choice to serve as UFI’s CEO.”
“I look forward to continuing to serve our great industry, now at a global level at UFI”, said Chris Skeeth. “The UFI team I join has set global standards in research, advocacy, collaboration and community excellence, and I will do my best to build on the great work done over the past decade.”
Chris began his career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led the development of audit products for the events industry. In 2006, Chris joined the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) to oversee the merger of AEC and BECA to form ESSA (Event Suppliers and Services Association). In 2010 he also became Director of ESSA’s sister association AEV (Association of Event Venues), driving venue engagement through numerous special interest groups before transitioning to AEO in 2014. He continues to serve as Director of the EIA, the government and regulatory body representing the industry. In the Queen’s Birthday Honors List 2021, he was awarded an OBE for services to the events industry.
About the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry UFI:
UFI is the global trade association of the world’s trade show organizers and exhibition center operators, the major national and international exhibition associations and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main objective is to represent, promote and support the commercial interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees worldwide and works closely with more than 72 national and regional association members. Currently, more than 880 member organizations from 90 countries and regions around the world have become members. More than 900 international trade shows proudly carry the UFI Approved label, which is a quality assurance for visitors and exhibitors. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing medium designed to develop outstanding face-to-face business opportunities.
For further information please contact: UFI Head Office: Email: media@ufi.org Phone: +33 (0)1 46 39 75 00 or www.ufi.org
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