International conference center group selects U.K. professional for new CEO
Mark Cooper of Warwickshire, U.K., will become CEO of the International Association of Conference Centers, St. Louis, Mo., effective Oct. 8, and will initially be based in the U.K. He will succeed Tom Bolman, who announced in January his plan to retire after 30 years as IACC EVP.
Cooper has 25 years of experience in the global meetings industry working for both US and European-based organizations. He has held a number of leadership roles in sales and marketing, and has worked in senior positions at conference center operators, such as Dolce Hotelss, Sundial Group and Warwick Conferences. He has been a European and global board member of IACC and has been an active member in the association for 15 years.
“We believe Mark’s experience is well matched to the strategic plan of IACC as we move forward,” IACC elected president Peter Stewart said.
After Bolman announced his plans to retire, the association leaders from around the world decided the association will become more globally focused in the future. A task force was created to conduct an internal review of the organization and to make recommendations, including appointing a new CEO with global responsibilities.
“My aim is to raise IACC’s profile and awareness and to deliver membership growth globally,” Cooper said. Details: www.iacconline.org.
