West Conshohocken, PA (September 26, 2014) - SMG President & CEO, Wes Westley, today announced that John Sharkey will become Executive Vice President, European Operations, effective 6th October 2014. He will assume responsibility for SMG’s existing business operations in Europe as well as spearheading the business development ambitions for the Group in Europe and Asia.
John was Group CEO at Scottish Exhibition Centre Ltd, Scotland’s largest conference, concerts, exhibition and events centre until April 2014 and led the team responsible for the development, funding, construction and opening of the SSE Hydro Arena, the world’s 3rd most successful entertainment venue.
Since then John has operated as a consultant and advisor to the conference, exhibition and entertainment industry and related infrastructure projects across the UK, continental Europe and the US. He has also advised some of the world’s largest private equity businesses to find value in this sector.
Commenting on his appointment Westley said: “I am delighted to welcome John to the team. He brings with him valuable experience and success across our core strengths as a business and an excellent understanding of the European marketplace. We look forward to realising the opportunities which lie ahead for the European business as part of a strong and successful worldwide brand”.
Sharkey said: “I have been privileged during my career with great opportunities and EVP European Operations carries on that succession. I am joining a business which has been on a growth curve through strong and weak economic cycles as a result of great strength and depth. I am especially delighted to be joining the European business at what can only be described as a very exciting time with the growth ambitions for the business”.
Reporting to John will be Arena General Managers, James Allen – Manchester UK, Ben Williams – Leeds UK, and Paul Tappenden – Newcastle UK, Adrian Doyle – Belfast UK, as well as Colin Revel, Vice President Special Projects UK, Michael Brill, Senior Vice President New Business Development – Europe Continent, and Tracey Short, Vice President, International Business Development Asia.
