Duo bolster business development team

Coventry Building Society Arena has made two key appointments to its business development team.

Peter Barrett and Ross Stewart have joined the venue as business development managers and will be bringing their wealth of local, regional, national and international experience to the Arena.

Peter joins as Business Development Manager for Exhibitions and has more than eight years’ sales experience in exhibition design and build.

He has worked with global clients across a range of sectors including banking and financial services, automotive, aerospace, healthcare and technology.

During his career, he has supported clients at many of the world’s major exhibition venues in locations ranging from Las Vegas, Dubai and Osaka, to Amsterdam, Barcelona and the UK.

Peter said: “I am delighted to be joining Coventry Building Society Arena as Business Development Manager for Exhibitions at this exciting time for the business and its customers.

“The venue’s location, layout, facilities and its team, all make this a really exciting place to host exhibitions. With the new Commonwealth Convention Centre opening in early 2022, the opportunities for organisers will be even greater – allowing for more creativity and an enhanced visitor experience.”

Ross has more than five years’ experience in the events industry and joins Coventry Building Society Arena as Business Development Manager for Agency.

He has worked for major venues across the UK and says that working for the Arena fulfils a career ambition of his.

“I am delighted to be joining Coventry Building Society as Business Development Manager – Agency,” Ross said.

“I have worked in venue sales for the events industry for over five years, for the likes of Stadium MK, Silverstone and, more recently, as Head of New Business for NAEC Stoneleigh.

“It has been a goal of mine from very early on in my events career to have the opportunity to work at Coventry Building Society Arena. In this role I will be focusing on the agent and corporate market where I have enjoyed great success previously, working with the likes of Nationwide, O2, Fat Face, National Grid and Aston Martin to name a few.”

Jenni Ford, Head of Sales at Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “We are pleased to be welcoming Ross and Peter to our growing team here at the Arena.

“This is a very exciting period for the business as we continue to bounce back following the pandemic. There has been, and continues to be, significant investment made in the venue as part of the Commonwealth Convention Centre which will strengthen our position as an industry leader.

“Both Peter and Ross have vast experience in working with high-profile clients across the conference and exhibition sector, and will be real assets to Coventry Building Society Arena.”