05.04.04
Expert Commissioners appointed to investigate the case for a new convention
centre in the capital
The first six expert members of the Mayoral Commission tasked with deciding
whether London needs a new, purpose-built convention centre have been announced
today.
All the new Commissioners bring specialist knowledge and expertise to the
project, joining Commission chair Gerry Acher. Set up, under the auspices of
the Mayor of London, by the London Development Agency, the Mayor’s agency for
business and jobs, the Commission is exploring in detail the potential benefits
of building a large-scale international convention centre in the capital. It
will also look more widely at other options to ensure London maximises its
potential in the multi-billion pound business and convention sector.
The new Commissioners are:
• Vanessa Cotton - Managing Director of The Event Organisation Company
• Martin George - British Airways Director of Marketing and Commercial
Development
• Gary Grimmer - Former CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
• Katie Kopec - European Director Strategic Consulting, Jones Lang LaSalle
• Larry Oltmanns - Director of architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
• Roger Tondeur - CEO of MCI Group
Gerry Acher, chair of the London ICC Mayoral Commission, said: ‘These
appointments are great news for London. We have secured some of the brightest
international talents in areas of strategic importance to this project,
including business travel, venue and events management, property and
architecture.
‘While London is a great city for business, it currently doesn’t have a venue
that can cater for the largest international gatherings of more than five
thousand people under one roof. Potentially we’re losing out on a share of an
enormous £100bn market. The insight and hands-on experience of these
Commissioners is essential for keeping customers’ needs at the forefront of our
work and allows us to thoroughly investigate the case for a new, purpose-built,
international convention centre in the capital.’
Other specialist Commissioners will be announced as the work of the Commission
develops.
To find out more please visit the Biographies
pages