People Moves
PEOPLE MOVES
2 MINUTES WITH…
over text every time.
How do you intend to face the
challenges in the industry?
Head on. By keeping on top of
industry news, listening to clients
and speaking to my peers.
Best piece of advice?
Roopi Woodall,
manager – international
marketing at ADNEC
How did you get into the event
industry?
Accidentally. My first move into
events coincided with my first
marketing job at a powerboat racing
championship that put on events all
around Europe, it was hard work but
so rewarding.
Favourite thing about events?
Everything. The energy generated
by visitors/guests, the buzz of
positive feedback and I even love
when something goes a bit wrong
and the whole team works together
to find a solution.
What made you want to move to
the UAE?
The sunshine of course! I had
been in my previous role for nearly
five years and I needed a new
challenge. This job offered so many
opportunities, I couldn’t say no.
What do you think you can bring
to the new role?
Anyone that’s ever met me knows
I am a storyteller and I would like
to think that allows me to bring a
creative approach to the role. Images
Read everything and ask lots
of questions. Get to know the
company culture but also the
culture of the UAE. Having said
that, I have been so surprised at
how similar the work environment
is to London.
1.
2.
Funniest work moment?
A female Emirati (abaya-
wearing) colleague invited me
to a party at her house, at least
four women from work there and
I didn’t recognise them. Emirati
women quite literally let their hair
down at parties and outside of
work they all looked like film stars!
3.
Dream job?
I’d love to work on a game-
changing event that truly makes
a difference. I’m passionate about
leaving the world better than we
found it.
4.
Who is the individual you most
admire?
Maya Angelo. She was a civil
rights activist, poet, writer and
performer and all round badass.
She’s also responsible for one of my
favourite quotes: “I’ve learned that
people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you
made them feel.”
At EN HQ, we take our coffee
very seriously – how do you take
yours?
Extra shot flat white. I have no
time for lattes, that’s a bedtime
drink to me!
5.
Creative Hire has
announced the
appointment of Adam
Aston (1) as its chief
business officer, a new role
for the company.
Aston’s brief is to develop
the strategy as well as
relationships with existing
and new clients.
InterContinental London
– The O2 has announced
the appointment of Chris
Rooney (2) as talent and
culture manager. Rooney’s
previous role was people
and culture manager
for Primark in Westfield
Stratford City.
NEC Group has
announced the promotion
of Phil Mead (3) to the
position of arenas and The
Ticket Factory chairman.
Guy Dunstan moves from
general manager – arenas
to take up the position of
director of arenas.
UFI has expanded
its team at the Paris
headquarters. Malgorzata
Kozlowska (4) will join
as event and project
coordinator, while Frankie
Edwards will take on
the role of marketing
and communications
coordinator.
Hoar Cross Hall has
appointed Katie Whitby
(5) as sales and marketing
director.
Event furniture and
panel hire firm Europa
International has
strengthened its team of
account handlers with
the appointment of Olivia
Jenner .
March — 73