He directed and developed CIMPSA's service offering, which comprises education, training, professional development, events, conferences and other member services. Prior to joining CIMPSA, his 13-year service with Sport England culminated in a two-year tenure as director, with responsibility for planning towards the London 2012 Olympics.

Neil Felton will work closely with the two new members of the senior team, and will continue to draw on the experience of Nigel Steffens, who now assumes a part-time consultative and ambassadorial role. Nigel joined FESPA in 1993 as Assistant General Secretary and has occupied the role of CEO since 2003.

FESPA President and Board Member Lascelle Barrow comments: "In the two and a half years since his appointment with FESPA, Neil has driven an ambitious growth strategy with determination. While continuing to grow and improve our market-leading European and Mexican events, he has directed the successful launches of new FESPA editions in three key global growth markets - Brazil, Eurasia and China - and has formed an important joint venture in South Africa which will establish the FESPA brand on a fourth continent in 2014.

"By attracting these highly experienced people to work alongside Neil, we will be able to give equal focus to all areas of our organisation's ongoing development. The FESPA Board - which represents the interests of FESPA's 37 national associations - has absolute confidence that Neil and his enlarged team will continue to deliver all FESPA initiatives with consideration of the rapidly evolving needs of our global community of members, exhibitors, and visitors."

FESPA