Pictured above: Paul Thandi
Events expert and Chief Executive of the NEC Group, Paul Thandi,
will receive an honorary doctoral degree from Birmingham City
University later this week in recognition of his outstanding
business achievements.
Paul is one of the region's most influential businessmen and
head of the UK's largest and most high-profile venue management
company. His expertise in events and exhibitions management
first flourished at CMP Information (CMPi), a multimedia trading
division in exhibitions, conferences, digital, information products
and online communities. He spent his last three years there
leading CMPi's acquisition and merger strategy.
Paul became Chief Executive of the NEC Group in October 2006
following 18 months as its Commercial Director, where his drive and
outstanding business acumen soon had a marked effect on the
company's growth. During his early years with the NEC Group, he
delivered the largest haul of new business in any one year in the
company's history.
As CEO of the NEC Group, Paul takes responsibility for its
impact both regionally and nationally. His policy of
responsibility to its communities and the wider region has
contributed to the company's delivery of £2 billion of
economic investment to the West Midlands. It also supports more
than 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
He has worked to create a positive culture within the company,
masterfully steering the business through an uncertain economic
climate. He rebuilt the company's image to ensure that the NEC
Group, and the West Midlands, remains in the global spotlight.
The Group's venues include the iconic National Exhibition
Centre, The International Convention Centre, The National Indoor
Arena and the new LG Arena which, together, draw more than 4.1
million visitors annually.
His philosophy for the business is to focus on creating the best
possible experience for customers at every interaction with each
venue and its services.
Paul's award is due to be conferred at 3.45pm on Thursday 17th
February 2011 at the Awards Congregation ceremony which will
celebrate the work and achievements of students graduating from the
Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences.