James Rees, Executive Director at ExCeL London, has been elected as the new ICCA president at the General Assembly of the 57th ICCA Congress, which took place from 11 to 14 November 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rees was first elected to the ICCA Board in 2012 and became a Vice President in 2017. Before this he served in leadership positions in ICCA's UK & Ireland Chapter. Competing for the ICCA presidency alongside Rees were Juan José Garcia and Eric Bakermans, both long-term members of the global association's Board. The three candidates ran very extensive campaigns to win the ICCA member vote. Commenting on his win, James Rees said: "What we can do, with the right leadership, is to use ICCA's strengths to drive that innovation, creativity, and incentive for improvement. And this is what I am going to deliver. As ICCA President, I will be a true advocate for our business, a champion of our sector and ensure that ICCA's voice is heard by government, in a language they understand. It will be an honour and privilege to serve as your President." The 2018 ICCA Congress has attracted 1,156 delegates from 79 countries.
PHOTO (COLOR): James Rees has been elected as the new ICCA president. Photo: Excel London