Following a worldwide search, Lord Rowe-Beddoe, Chairman of Wales Millennium Centre, today announced the appointment of 47 year old Mark Taylor as its new Chief Executive. Mark is currently commercial and venues director for the Barbican, Europe's largest arts and business event complex, which presents a diverse range of art, music, theatre, dance, film and education events. Since joining the Barbican as Commercial Director in 1996 Mark Taylor has increased the centre's commercial net income, from an average of £2.3m per annum to £4.4m in 2008/09. During his 14 year career at the Barbican, which has a turnover of £34m (08/09), Mark's portfolio has expanded considerably. His recent achievements have included driving the Barbican's major £14.1m Public Spaces Masterplan, which has successfully transformed the entrances and public spaces of the City of London owned centre, whilst maintaining the architectural integrity of the original design. In 2007 the scheme achieved a Royal Institute of British Architects Award for its architectural excellence. In 2008 Mark's remit was further expanded to include responsibility for delivering the £19m capital works programme across both the Barbican and the Guildhall School of Music. Mark Taylor began his career in the travel industry, before specialising in conferences and venue management. From 1985-1990 he was Assistant Director of Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau. Whilst in that post he directly contributed to the successful positioning of Sydney as one of the world's leading convention destinations. He joined the Wembley Group in 1990 and became Director of Sales and Marketing for Wembley International. In announcing the appointment Lord Rowe-Beddoe said 'I am delighted that we have secured someone of Mark's calibre as we move forward from a most successful start-up to being a significant player on the world stage. The Centre has achieved so much in its first five years. I am now looking forward to seeing Mark's commercial acumen, ably assisted by the Centre's executive team, bring even greater success to our national centre for the performing arts'. Mark Taylor added 'My twenty years in London has allowed me an amazing level of exposure to arts and culture, and the wider entertainment business. Combined with extensive international experience this has given me a truly world perspective and a unique appreciation of different cultures and their values. Arts and entertainment is a growing and thriving global business and Wales Millennium Centre sits at the heart of bringing the world to Wales and taking Wales to the world. ' Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones today welcomed the appointment, saying 'I welcome the appointment of Mark Taylor as the new Chief Executive and look forward to working with him and his team to ensure the continuing success of Wales Millennium Centre. I want the good work already undertaken in the Centre to continue and be extended so that it becomes an even more successful showcase for the best of the creative and performing arts in Wales.' The Barbican's Managing Director, Sir Nicholas Kenyon, also paid tribute to Mark's immense contribution to the City of London's arts centre: 'We are absolutely delighted that Mark has been offered this major new role, which is a real tribute to him and his outstanding work at the Barbican. We will be very sorry to lose him; during his many years work here he has driven our commercial operations, established the Barbican as a leading conference venue, and masterminded the award-winning redesign of the Centre. All of us here at the Barbican wish him the very best of luck with his new role and look forward to working with him in the future.' For the past five years Mark has served as a non-executive director of Visit London. He is married with two children. He will commence his duties as Chief Executive of Wales Millennium Centre at the end of August. |
| wales millennium centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk |
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010 |
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