The former Northern Ireland boss of a global tech firm has been appointed CEO at Belfast Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall (BWUH).
Rob McConnell is the former NI head of Expleo and had served as non-executive director on the board of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall since April 2023.
The organisation announced that he’s now been appointed CEO after a competitive recruitment process.
Mr McConnell is also a former chairperson of Momentum, formerly the digital industry representative body in NI.
In his new role, he will lead 300 people across Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built International Convention Centre, ICC Belfast, along with the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall.
BWUH chair Steve Daniels said: “We are delighted to have secured Rob McConnell as the new chief executive officer of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall.
“Not only has Rob established his own credentials in leadership, business growth and sales development, he has a strong commercial drive and an extensive knowledge of Northern Ireland’s business and public sectors.
“Having worked closely with him in his non-executive role on our board, we have been impressed by his knowledge of our industry, his strategic approach to solutions and his passion to drive our venues forward in a data driven, innovative way.”
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Mr McConnell said: “I believe that the outstanding facilities, together with the talented team of people at ICC Belfast and its sister venues of the Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall hold some of Northern Ireland’s untapped economic and cultural potential.
“ICC Belfast is an economic development engine for Northern Ireland. It is the jewel in Belfast’s crown…
“I have seen up close how the team have proven their capabilities working on spectacular events such as One Young World and delivering stunning corporate events for global names including Ferrari, eBay, and AstraZeneca.
“Large scale business events bring knock-on benefits far beyond these venues, from the airports and transport companies, to retailers, hoteliers, restaurants, and local suppliers, as well as the opportunity to create significant employment for the city and region.
“I am confident that the ingredients are in place to make ICC Belfast one of the most sought-after conference and events destinations in these islands and much further afield.
“It is a great privilege to be leading this forward as chief executive and I am very much looking forward to it.”