This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New EventScotland chief executive
03/07/2003
EventScotland, the new organisation which aims to make Scotland one of the world`s foremost locations for business, cultural and sporting events, today revealed its new Chief Executive.
David Williams, an experienced events specialist who has an international track record of delivering events for Queensland in Australia, has been appointed by Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Frank McAveety.
Mr Williams has spent most of his working career in Australia creating, bidding and securing major events, and is returning to lead EventScotland for the next five years. He will take up his post later this summer.
At the Spiegeltent in George Square, one of the venues for Glasgow's International Jazz Festival, Mr Williams said:
"I very much look forward to leading the team to make Scotland one of the world's foremost events destinations. In Australia, I have seen how events can not only raise the international profile of a country, but also demonstrate the capability of the nation.
"I believe that there is huge potential for the right portfolio of events to showcase Scotland's dramatic landscape, its sporting heritage and its dynamic culture. EventScotland is an exciting project and I look forward to playing a key role in its success."
Mr McAveety said:
"Bringing the vast skills and expertise of David to the helm of EventScotland underlines our commitment to put Scotland on the map as a major player in delivering the world's big sporting, cultural and business events.
"Scotland is already world-renowned for events like the Open Golf championship, and the great success of the UEFA Champions League Final last year.
"The Royal Bank Glasgow Jazz Festival here is another example of the kind of event which demonstrates that we are capable of making an impact - and delivering - in the international arena. But we must be ambitious and work harder to confirm Scotland's place as a leading player in the global events business.
"I'm delighted that David has accepted the challenge we have set EventScotland. David will bring tenacity and drive to the organisation, and will carry forward the Executive's target of making Scotland one of the world's foremost events destinations by 2015".
Biography
David Williams was born in Llandudno in North Wales. He has spent most of working career in Australia, holding senior positions in the tourism, racing, sport and events industries. He has a masters degree in education, majoring in Sport and Leisure Management from the University of Virginia USA.
Mr Williams has secured, among many other events, the Goodwill Games for Brisbane in 2001, Olympic soccer games as part of the 2000 Olympic Games, the PGA Players Championships 1997-2006, World Masters Games, World Gymnastics Championships and the World Triathlon Championships.
First Minister Jack McConnell, launched 'EventScotland' - backed with £10 million of government money - in November 2002. The new organisation's strategy sets out a plan of action designed to:
- build Scotland's international image
- develop a portfolio of sporting and cultural events that will encourage visitors to all areas of Scotland throughout the year
- improve co-ordination of events and explore ways to develop existing events
- build a centre of knowledge and expertise open to all those hosting events in Scotland.
- to re-affirm our commitment to see Scotland become one of the world's foremost events destinations by the year 2015.
EventScotland's advisory board, which had its inaugural meeting in March this year, offers a rich blend of expertise across various fields which combine to give EventScotland a unique role.
The advisory board's task is to maintain a strategic overview of the operation, working with the Chief Executive to deliver a viable portfolio of events which will attract visitors to Scotland. EventScotland's mission is to enhance Scotland's international profile, to strengthen Scotland's sporting and cultural infrastructure and maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of events to all parts of the country.
The Advisory Board members are Charles Gordon, Glasgow City Council; Philip Riddle, VisitScotland; Stuart Cosgrove, Channel Four; Mike Closier, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre; Nick Kuenssberg, Scotland the Brand; Alastair Dempster, sportscotland; Peter Irvine, Unique Events; James Boyle, Scottish Arts Council; Muriel Gray, writer and broadcaster; the president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; Grant Sword, Highland and Islands Enterprise; Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh City Council; Eddie Brogan, Scottish Enterprise; and John Mason, Scottish Executive.
EventScotland is a company, limited by guarantee, and jointly owned by the Executive and VisitScotland. This gives EventScotland the ability to operate commercially in the events world and allows it to enter into contractual arrangements in its own right.
The post of Chief Executive was advertised in the press and interviews held earlier this year.