Karen Kotowski resigned as CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC), a post she has held for 10 years.
“Karen has dedicated herself to the events industry and provided 10 years of leadership to our association through a rebranding, management transition and growth of our CMP program,” said Tina Wehmeir, chair of the EIC board of directors.
“During this time of transition, we plan to identify a new CEO who brings a global perspective and background to help in further broadening the reach of our organization and certification program," she added.
The EIC said it has initiated a search for a new CEO, which will be conducted through a seven-member search committee led by Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
The EIC also has enlisted its management company, SmithBucklin, and Jim Zaniello of search firm Vetted Solutions, who will work with London-based Saxton Bampfylde to hire a new CEO.
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In a press release dated January 11, 2019, the EIC said Kotowski’s tenure included a number of accomplishments, including overseeing the growth of the CMP program and three studies on the Economic Significance of Meetings in the U.S., as well as the first Global Economic Significance Study.
The EIC said it is focused on redefining the organization’s mission and long-term strategic plan. The January 11 press release also noted that the organization is seeking a leader “who brings a diverse global perspective and a proven track-record of business growth, collaboration and strategic vision."
An umbrella group representing a variety of meetings industry associations, the EIC represents more than 103,000 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties in the meetings and events industry.
Key EIC programs include the CMP program and four other signature programs:
- Sustainability, Industry Insights, Knowledge and Leadership.
The EIC aims to be “the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence.”
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