UBM Live has promoted International Confex and Live Experience event manager James Samuel, who will now take on an additional role as group event manager for the venues and leisure exhibitions.

As part of the role, Samuel will manage Leisure Industry Week, which was previously the responsibility of former Confex portfolio director Jonny Sullens, who left UBM earlier this month.

The marketing and eCommerce events - Internet World, Technology for Marketing & Advertising, eCommerce Expo, The Big Data Show and Publishing & Media Expo – which complete the technology, leisure and venues portfolio, will be led by Kevin Pearce, who continues in his role as group event manager.

UBM Live managing director, Simon Parker, said: “Since joining UBM last December, James has quickly become an important part of the team. His hard work and commitment to developing our meetings and events products has resulted in a rejuvenated International Confex and a fantastic launch last year for Live Experience (previously IOEX). I have no doubt that James will bring the same drive and enthusiasm to Leisure Industry Week.

“Our technology group continues to flourish. It is a strong market sector for UBM Live, as underlined by the launch of The Big Data Show and numerous international launches in recent years. We feel that Kevin is perfectly placed to lead this development into the future.”

Pictured: James Samuel