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The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust has today announced the appointment of Natalie O’Brien as Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Due to join the venue in January 2023, O’Brien is a former Chief Executive of Food and Wine Victoria, producers of Australia’s internationally acclaimed Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and most recently has managed her own strategy consultancy.

Described as bringing a wealth of leadership experience in the tourism and events industry to the role at MCEC, she has also served as interim Chief Executive for Ballarat Regional Tourism, where she led the co-design of Visitor Economy Recovery Plans.

As Chief Executive at MCEC, O’Brien will be responsible for the overall management, business plan delivery and future strategic direction of MCEC and the operational planning for the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC).

She steps into the role following the departure of outgoing Peter King, who finishes with the business at the end of the year, after a remarkable 11 years in which he has made a lasting impact on just MCEC, but to the wider visitor economy.

O’Brien joins MCEC at a crucial time as the organisation recovers from the impact of COVID-19 and builds for the future. The Centre has reopened to a strong demand for business in 2022 and her experience will play a key role in continuing to guide the business back to its pre-pandemic levels of success in the coming years.

Announcing the appointment, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chair, John Brumby noted “we’re really pleased with Natalie’s appointment as CEO of MCEC. We’ve been lucky to attract an executive with the experience and skillset to lead the organisation in the years ahead. She brings great insight and a tremendous track record of driving change and growth in organisations.

“Natalie will bring a wealth of senior experience to the role and will provide the vision and leadership MCEC needs as we continue to recover and grow in a challenging business events environment post-COVID.

“I’d like to congratulate Natalie on her appointment and look forward to working with her and MCEC’s senior management team on further developing our world class venue.”

Looking forward to her new position, O’Brien stated “I’m excited to lead an already iconic Melbourne landmark into the next phase of growth, as the organisation’s enormous impact and benefit continues to expand across Victoria.

“I can’t wait to work with the incredible team at MCEC, empowering them to continue to achieve their very best and contribute to the experience of all visitors to, and residents of, this vibrant and diverse state.

“I’m especially looking forward to building strong relationships with our customers, our people, the community we serve, and key government and industry stakeholders, while also fostering new partnerships and business outcomes in an increasingly competitive market.”

O’Brien (pictured) was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Australia Day Honours list for significant service to tourism, food, and the community of Victoria.

She will commence as of 9th January 2023.

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