The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) chief executive Leigh Harry has announced the appointment of Leighton Wood as the deputy chief executive of the MCEC.

Commencing yesterday (8 November 2010) Leighton will provide high level strategic support to the chief executive, particularly in the areas of future business planning and ongoing organisational improvement.

Newly appointed MCEC deputy chief executive, Leighton Wood

The deputy chief executive will also have specific responsibility for the planned expansion of the MCEC’s facilities including the next stage of the exhibition centre announced on Friday 29 October 2010 by the Victorian Labor Government.

Leighton has many years of experience in senior and chief executive roles with various organisations including Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Melbourne Major Events Company, Sport Knowledge Australia and the Princess Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

“Leighton was selected after an extensive public recruitment and executive search process and brings a wealth of senior management experience to the role,” said Harry.  “With his valuable range of skills, Leighton will be instrumental in providing higher level strategic planning and management input as the MCEC business grows over the coming years in an increasingly competitive international and national business events environment.

“I’d like to congratulate Leighton on his appointment and look forward to working with him and MCEC’s senior management team on further developing our multi award-winning venue.”