Reed Exhibitions has announced that Debbie Evans will assume the role of Managing Director, Reed Exhibitions Australia, effective January 2008.  

Ms Evans – who joined the company in 1999 - is currently Group Exhibition Director, with responsibility for Reed Gift Fairs; International Spa and Beauty Expos; Stitches & Craft Shows; and Hair Expo.  

 “This is a very critical position and it reflects the trust and confidence the company and I have in Debbie,” said Paul Beh, President, Reed Exhibitions, Asia-Pacific Region. 

“Reed Exhibitions Australia is a leader in the market and the challenge for the company and for Debbie will not only be to stay ahead of the curve in terms of market share but to be truly known as a customer centric, innovative and dynamic organization with a brand value that is easily accepted as synonymous with quality in the industry.”  

“Over the years, Debbie has demonstrated competencies in business management and in thinking outside the box and contributing strategically to the growth of her portfolio. Her calm nature and people oriented approach will certainly continue to serve her well in forging new external partnerships and leading her Australian colleagues to greater success for the business. We are absolutely confident Debbie will deliver as her qualities and abilities are well known to us,” he said. 

Since she joined the company key achievements by Ms Evans have included the organic growth of the Gift Fairs portfolio with new launches and initiatives; overseeing new acquisitions including Hair Expo and the Brisbane Gift Fair; and forming a ground-breaking alliance with Austrade. In 2005, she won the Reed Worldwide Chairman's Award and international marketing awards for the total rebranding of the Gift portfolio. 

 “During my eight years with Reed Exhibitions I have developed a solid, hands-on understanding of the exhibition industry and I am keen to use this experience to push the business forward, thus ensuring we maintain our market leadership,” said Ms Evans. 

“We have a tremendous team of professionals in the company and with their support, I am extremely excited at the prospect of leading the company in the next phase of its growth.” 

Ms Evans will officially take over the Managing Director role and responsibilities from mid-January 2008.