NEC Group announces leadership succession

Birmingham 23 October –The NEC Group (“the NEC”), the UK’s largest live events venue operator, has today announced a succession plan for its executive leadership team.

Melanie Smith will step down as CEO at the end of 2025 when she will be succeeded by Paul Reeve, currently CFO of the NEC Group. The Group is also delighted to announce that Stephen Goodluck will join as CFO, succeeding Paul. These changes will take effect from 1 January 2026.

This succession plan will ensure continuity for the NEC following strong growth across its core divisions – Exhibitions, Conferences and Arenas – and the completion of major transformational initiatives, including acquiring the NEC campus freehold, outsourcing ticketing and food and beverage, and making significant investments in the premium spaces in the arenas.

Melanie will continue to support the NEC as an adviser to the company in her new role as a Senior Adviser to Blackstone, NEC’s owner.

Paul joined the NEC as CFO in October 2023, bringing extensive experience in the UK and European entertainment and media sectors. Prior to joining, Paul spent 10 years at AEG, where he was European CFO overseeing their venue, ticketing, touring and festival operations across the region.

Stephen joins from Bourne Leisure, the UK’s leading holiday and leisure company, where he served as Group Finance Director. He has previously held senior roles at Dunelm Group and key finance roles across Sainsburys Argos.

Sir Nick Varney, Chair of NEC Group, commented:

“Melanie has done an amazing job as CEO. She joined at a pivotal time, tasked with refocusing, streamlining, and accelerating the business in the wake of the global pandemic’s impact on our industry. Today, the NEC Group is thriving, with a clear strategy delivering strong results, and benefitting from world-class new partnerships and a highly capable management team. I’m delighted that Melanie will continue to support us in an advisory capacity as she moves on to her next executive challenge within Blackstone.

“I am thrilled to announce that Paul will step into the role of CEO to lead the NEC Group into its next phase of growth. Paul is a strong and talented leader, who has been instrumental in shaping the Group’s strategy and delivering a number of significant transformation projects since he joined in 2023. Under his leadership, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Paul will be well supported by Stephen as CFO, combining strategic, commercial and industry expertise to form the ideal leadership team for the NEC Group’s future.”

Paul Reeve, incoming CEO, commented:

“I am honoured to be appointed CEO of such an iconic business as the NEC Group. With a clear strategy, great trading momentum, and a very strong platform for growth, we are well-positioned to build on our success. Backed by internationally renowned venues, fantastic supporting infrastructure, and an exceptional team of colleagues, I’m excited to lead the next phase for Europe’s leading live events business.”

Melanie Smith commented:

“It has been a privilege to be part of the NEC Group, and I would like to thank all of our incredible colleagues for the energy and passion that have enabled such extraordinary progress in the past couple of years. The NEC creates amazing experiences and lifelong memories for our customers, as it has for me, and I look forward to seeing the business continue to scale new heights under the direction of Paul and our brilliant team.

With Blackstone’s support, the NEC has gone from strength to strength, driving significant growth and transformation while building a solid platform for future success. I’m excited to step into my new role as Senior Adviser to the firm.”

Alexander Walsh, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, added:

“It has been a joy to partner with Mel over the past two years. Her energy and vision have truly made a mark at the NEC, and I look forward to continuing this partnership as she steps into her Senior Advisor role at Blackstone.

“I would also like to congratulate Paul. With extensive experience in the entertainment and media industry, I am confident he will lead the NEC with dedication, focus and expertise. Working alongside Stephen as CFO and the wider NEC team, Paul is well-equipped to drive the business forward.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITOR

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ABOUT THE NEC GROUP 

NEC Group is the UK’s leading live events business with fifty years of world-class expertise in venue and destination management. Every year, millions come together at five of the UK’s leading business, leisure, and entertainment venues which come under the NEC Group’s portfolio - the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), International Convention Centre (ICC), Vox Conference Venue (Vox), bp pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham. The five venues offer some of the best-connected real estate in Europe.