Excel London new Chief Operating Officer appointment marks a major strategic move for one of the UK’s premier exhibition and events venues. The venue, ExCeL London, has confirmed the appointment of James Mark as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Background and Industry Context
Excel London new Chief Operating Officer appointment arrives at a time when the exhibitions & events industry is experiencing rapid change. As organisers demand more integrated, hybrid and immersive formats, venues like Excel must continuously evolve their operational and delivery models. James Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in venue and event operations, and his return to Excel underscores the venue’s ambition to remain a world-class destination in a rapidly shifting market.
Profile of the Appointed COO
James Mark previously served with Excel from 2000 to 2016, during which time he played a pivotal role in the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Prior to his new appointment, his career included senior leadership roles at major UK venues including Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London Stadium and the Barbican Centre, as well as a stint at Therme Group UK. With this depth of operational experience, Mark is well-placed to oversee the full spectrum of operations at Excel London—including event operations, facilities, visitor experience, and strategic development.
What Excel London new Chief Operating Officer means for the venue
With the appointment of James Mark, Excel London new Chief Operating Officer brings fresh leadership to critical areas:
- Full oversight of operational departments—ensuring seamless coordination of venue logistics, facilities, event support and service delivery.
- Strategic input into the day-to-day running of the venue and its ongoing development, aligning it with newer event formats, digital experiences and global expectations.
- Strengthening the leadership team, as Excel continues to invest in infrastructure, venue experience, people and systems to solidify its position as ‘best event destination in the world’—a vision spelled out by CEO Jeremy Rees.
Implications for Event Organisers, Exhibitors & Visitors
For event organisers, the news of Excel London new Chief Operating Officer means a renewed focus on operational excellence and venue innovation. Expect:
- Enhanced event delivery: smoother set-ups, better infrastructure, improved visitor flows and service responsiveness.
- Greater alignment with hybrid and immersive event formats: Excel London stands poised to support evolving exhibitor and attendee demands.
- Increased confidence for exhibitors: knowing the leadership has appointed an experienced COO signals stability and commitment to high-quality experiences.
For visitors and delegates, the move reinforces Excel London’s commitment to customer experience, showcasing that operational leadership is being invested heavily to maintain high standards across exhibitions, conferences and immersive experiences.
Broader Industry Significance
This appointment is illustrative of wider trends in the exhibitions & events industry. Venues are investing in leadership and operations to remain competitive, especially given:
- A post-pandemic shift in event formats toward hybrid, digital-enabled and experience-led models.
- Greater demands for global connectivity in event-cities such as London, with venues needing to offer world-class infrastructure and service.
- The need to differentiate: With many venues offering similar square-metres, service delivery and operational excellence become key differentiators.
Excel London new Chief Operating Officer is therefore not just about a leadership change—it’s a signal of how serious the venue is about staying ahead of the curve and serving a dynamic industry.
Looking Ahead
Excel’s calendar remains packed for 2025: it will host major international shows including the World Travel Market 2025 (4-6 November), the Gartner IOC 2025 (17-18 November), the London International Horse Show 2025 (18-22 December), along with five immersive experiences at the venue’s Immerse LDN. As Excel London celebrates its 25th anniversary and continues to evolve, the appointment of a seasoned COO positions the venue to meet the demands of organisers, exhibitors and delegates alike.
Conclusion
Excel London new Chief Operating Officer appointment underscores the venue’s commitment to the exhibitions and events sector. By bringing in James Mark—a seasoned leader with a rich track record—Excel signals it is serious about operational excellence, innovation and leadership. For stakeholders in the events industry, from organisers to exhibitors to service providers, this move is a strong indicator of the venue’s direction and ambition.
