In this newly created role Gary Coombs will “lead on implementing the processes and structures needed to support the strategic direction of the global trade show business”, reads the press release. As part of IMEX’s senior management team, he will also be a member of the Board.

Gary Coombs will coordinate teams across various departments to ensure delivery of the company’s vision and initiatives with the Operations department, Marcomms and IT & Transformation all reporting into him. According to the IMEX Group, the new role was created as part of an operational review across the business of 80+ staff. It aims to ensure all team structures and roles underpin the company’s future ambitions and support its vision: A thriving global business events industry focused on positive change plus its newly created values: Put People First; Achieve Together and Lead the Way.

Leading the way

“Achieve together’ is one of our company values and we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver our shows without the best in class structures, culture and processes in place to support the hard work our team puts in every day”, says Gary Coombs. “I’m excited to help our talented and passionate team continue to drive forward the business and lead the way.”

Gary Coombs joined IMEX as Chief Information Officer in 2021 leading projects to transform how the company uses technology to create an enhanced and efficient service for its clients. Previous to IMEX, he spent the majority of his career in the media and events sector having held positions at The Economist, EMAP and UBM.

“The beating heart of our company are our two shows – IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America – and ensuring they continue to deliver business benefit, inspiration and connections to the global meetings and events community is our core goal”, states Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “In his new role Gary will ensure our teams are best placed to achieve this. We’re delighted to appoint him as COO and look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver the impactful, forward-thinking shows we’re renowned for.”