Informa Markets names Michael Duck executive VP of commercial development

Global exhibition organiser Informa Markets has appointed Michael Duck as executive vice president of commercial development.

A newly created role, Duck will be the main point of contact to manage the global Informa Markets' businesses — which covers more than 30 international markets. The brand's direction is geared towards a pipeline of growth in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

Duck will also be supporting the wider Informa Group divisions, including Pharma Intelligence and Academic Publishing, with commercial activity in Asia.

The veteran brings along 30 years of experience, particularly in the spheres of Europe, Oceania and Asia, as well as expanding events into Middle East and Africa. He founded and chaired the Asia, Middle East and Africa and Sustainability chapters for events industry body UFI, and later spent a decade overseeing the cruise and beauty segments in the United States. Duck is also a member of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association.

Of today's business climate, Duck said: “Informa has evolved into a digital business with strong physical assets — and this is something our customers are excited about exploring. Our products help our customers to grow their businesses. We are ready to forge new relationships in both our existing markets and through expanding into new geographies and verticals.”

Informa Markets CEO, Charlie McCurdy has "every confidence" in Duck's appointment.

“Michael has been instrumental in building up the company’s presence across the globe and he holds important relationships with industry partners, government bodies and venue partners. I have every confidence that he is uniquely positioned to act as our global point of contact for commercial development.”

The Informa Markets business spreads across more than 450 brands, including fairs such as Furniture China, CBME Shanghai, and Hotelex Shanghai.