James Mark rejoins Excel family to strengthen venue’s Executive and Leadership teams
submitted by Tom Phillips on the behalf of Excel London
LONDON – Excel London has today announced it has appointed James Mark to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Mark, who previously worked at the venue from 2000 – 2016 and played a pivotal role in the delivery of its London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, brings with him more than 30 years’ experience, together with an extensive executive career.
As well as being a key member of Excel’s launch team and delivering more than 3,000 events, Mark has worked across many of the UK’s flagship venues including Earls Court, the London Stadium and the Barbican Centre, as well as senior leadership positions at Therme Group UK.
Returning to Excel earlier this year, Mark will have full oversight of operational departments, as well as form part of Excel’s Executive and Leadership teams, providing strategic level input to the day-to-day and ongoing development of the business.
Continuing to support him on the operations leadership at Excel will be Kerrie Kemp, Director of Venue Operations and Lee Lacey, Facilities Director.
Speaking about the appointment, Excel’s CEO Jeremy Rees said: “Since rejoining the Excel family earlier this year, James has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and operational expertise, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the events industry. This breadth of experience gives him a deep understanding of our operational needs, and I’m delighted to have someone of his calibre onboard.”
Rees added: “This key appointment, together with the continual investment in our people, venue and infrastructure, reinforces our commitment to the events industry and our mission to become the best event destination in the world.”
James Mark added: “It’s a real privilege to be rejoining Excel, a venue that holds many great memories for me. In the 25-years since its opening, Excel has gone from strength-to-strength and I’m excited to continue that journey with the team to deliver best-in-class experiences for all our event organisers, exhibitors and visitors.”
Excel will now round out its packed 2025 event calendar with major international shows including the World Travel Market (4-6 November), Gartner’s IOCS 2025 (17-18 November), the London International Horse Show (18-22 December), together with five immersive experiences at Excel’s Immerse LDN. Excel will also play host to this year’s AEV Conference (14 November), just ahead of the venue’s official 25th anniversary celebrations.
For more information on Excel London visit www.excel.london.
About Excel London
Excel London, part of ADNEC Group, first opened its doors in London’s historic Royal Docks at the turn of the millennium. 25 years later it has grown to become Europe’s largest fully integrated conference and exhibition venue, hosting some 400 events per year and welcoming around four million visitors from every corner of the globe.
From international tradeshows, major medical congresses through to global sporting spectacles such as Formula E, Excel hosts an array of events all bringing communities and businesses together to connect lives.
Indeed, events hosted at Excel generate around £4.6 billion in economic impact for London and support approximately 37,500 jobs throughout the events industry. Over recent years, Excel has seen significant investment by owners ADNEC Group and has recently opened an additional 25,000 sqm expansion as part of a wider £350 million investment programme, which also includes the acquisition of the Business Design Centre.
Excel has also recently opened the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district in Immerse LDN on its redeveloped waterfront. The stunning kilometre stretch now hosts an array of top immersive events including The FRIENDSTM Experience: The One in London, Squid Game: The Immersive Experience and FAME*FACTORY.
Excel – which is on a mission to become the best event destination in the world – also prides itself on championing sustainability and has pledged a net zero target of 2045, as well as continuous support for seven local charities.
