March 28, 2024 10:55 PM
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South Africa’s CTICC names replacement CEO

The board of directors at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), a public assembly venue based in South Africa, appointed a new CEO.

Succeeding outgoing CEO Rashid Toefy is Julie-May Ellingson, who fulfilled the role of CEO of the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) for the past three years.

“Ms. Ellingson is exactly the caliber of leader we were hoping to appoint to take the CTICC into the future, with knowledge in every area that she would be required to work in as CEO. She has extensive experience in construction, a thorough understanding of the complexities of municipal government legislation and a proven track record when it comes to the organizing and hosting of major international events and conferences,” said Gary Fisher, chairperson, CTICC.

Julie-May Ellingson,
Julie-May Ellingson

At Durban ICC, Ellingson was instrumental in transforming the center into a profitable business entity. Before her appointment as CEO in 2011, she was seconded as the acting CEO of Durban ICC and was responsible for the development and implementation of a turn-around strategy for the center. During her term, she also oversaw major capital works in preparation of Durban hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in 2011.

“Looking at her track record and impressive credentials, the board of the CTICC is in no doubt that it selected the best person to lead CTICC and to ensure that the expansion of the center is a huge success for the benefit of everyone in the city and the province,” Fisher added.

Ellingson joined Durban ICC from the eThekwini Municipality’s Strategic Projects Unit. As head of strategic projects unit, Ellingson was responsible for driving Durban’s 2010 and Beyond Program and delivering on the city’s 2010 FIFA World Cup responsibilities.  Under her leadership, over R6 billion was invested in projects across the city.  The most notable include the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, upgrade of Durban’s central beachfront, development of Sports Hubs (Umlazi, Clermont and KwaMashu), city beautification, people mover bus service and phase 1 of the Victoria Embankment Yacht Mole.

“I am honored to be taking over the reins from Rashid and look forward to working with the CTICC’s dynamic team as we enter a new and exciting phase of the CTICC’s growth and development,” said Ellingson.

Also serving as the chairperson of the Global Alliance of Congress Centres, Ellingson is a well-respected conference and event professional who has played a key role in the successful bidding of local and international conferences, such as the 123rd Session of the International Olympic Organizing Committee, the FIFA Beach Soccer Africa Championships, Top Gear Festival and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

“With Julie-May taking over the leadership of the center, I am confident that the CTICC will ascend to even greater heights. I leave behind a passionate and experienced team, who alongside her, will take the center into the future,” said Rashid Toefy, outgoing CEO, CTICC.

The process to find a new CEO for the CTICC started shortly after Toefy announced his resignation in April and culminated in a meeting of the CTICC board where the final successful applicant for the post was chosen at the end of May. Ellingson is expected to step into her new role in the next few months.

Ellingson holds a master’s degree in Town & Regional Planning from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Bachelor of Development Administration degree in Economics.

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