UFI’s outgoing CEO Kai Hattendorf and incoming CEO Chris Skeith. Photo Credit: UFI
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the appointment of Chris Skeith, OBE, as its new CEO. Skeith will officially take over from current CEO Kai Hattendorf on 1 January 2025.
Skeith will join UFI from the AEO (Association of Event Organisers), the leading association for organisers of events in the UK and internationally, where he has served as the organisation’s CEO since 2014.
Commenting on the new appointment, UFI President Geoff Dickinson, said, “Chris has been active in UFI for many years, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from Event Management to Advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”
Skeith’s career in the events industry began at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he led the development of auditing products for the event sector. In 2006, he moved to the Events Industry Alliance (EIA), where he oversaw the merger of AEC and BECA to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association). He later became director of AEV (Association of Event Venues), before joining AEO as CEO in 2014. Skeith also serves as a director of EIA, representing the sector to government and regulators.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Skeith was awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the Events Industry.