BREAKING NEWS Cotton leaves ExCeL London

The managing director of conferences and events at ExCeL London, Vanessa Cotton, has announced she is to leave the venue after almost four years in the role.

“My objectives when I joined ExCeL were to help establish the venue as an international destination for major events, grow the conference and events business, and create a world class team, and I’m really proud of the fact that we have achieved all of those things,” said Cotton. “I have had a truly wonderful time during the past four years, worked with some amazing and inspirational people and achieved much, but it’s now time to move on to my next challenge.”

Cotton: Instrumental in shaping ExCeL

Since Cotton’s arrival at the venue, conference and events business has grown significantly and now accounts for around 30% of total revenue.

She was recently the recipient of the first-ever Outstanding Achievement Award given by Eventia, in recognition of her contribution to the industry, including her establishment of The Event Organisation Company and her role as a board director at ExCeL London. She has been influential and highly active in the campaign to promote London’s business tourism offering internationally – just one in a range of voluntary projects she has embraced during her career.

Commenting on Cotton’s decision to leave ExCeL London, the venue’s chief executive Kevin Murphy said: “Vanessa has been instrumental in making ExCeL what it is today, and we will all miss her enthusiasm, professionalism and good humour. She has become a valued and trusted colleague and leaves ExCeL London in very good shape.”