New Chief Executive

Ernest Vincent has been appointed the new chief executive of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), London’s prestigious purpose-built venue in the heart of Westminster.

Mr Vincent has over 25 years experience in the international exhibition and convention industry and specialises in the management of world-class conference and exhibition facilities. He has worked in the UK, South-East Asia and North America. He replaces the acting chief executive, John McCarthy, who was seconded to the role by the Civil Service on an interim basis.

Prior to joining The QEII Conference Centre, Ernest Vincent was the general manager of Toronto’s National Trade Centre – one of the largest public assembly facilities in North America. The National Trade Centre hosts over 100 major events each year, plus numerous meetings, banquets and corporate functions.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Vincent said: “I am honoured to be offered the opportunity to head up such a world class facility. The Centre is undergoing an amazing transformation with a huge level of investment, and I am pleased to be joining a truly professional and committed team.”

Earlier in his career, Ernest Vincent was a member of the executive management team at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Following this, he was recruited by The Hong Kong Trade Development Council to establish The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Vincent has also worked alongside The Royal Thai Government’s Department of Export Promotion and the Thai Ministry of Finance. He managed the opening of The Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok in 1991.

During his tenure in the Far East, Mr Vincent was a member of the executive management team that bid for the development rights to construct The Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre for seven of the top Hong Kong business tycoons. He also spent some time in working in the Republic of China.