Louise Young, managing director of Autumn Fair and Spring Fair, will leave her post as of January.

Louise Young.

After much consideration, Louise has decided that this is the optimum time to look for a new challenge, something that she has been considering for a while. Julie Driscoll will be taking over the management of Spring and Autumn Fair from Louise, when she becomes the UK Regional Director for ITE Group next year. Julie is currently managing director of the Fashion Portfolio and has been working in the events industry for over ten years.

Louise commented: “I took over the reins of these shows from the prior managing director, Alison Jackson, who I had worked with for many years. Julie and I have also worked closely together for nine years, so I am delighted to be passing these shows into her capable hands.”

The events are now well set up with investment plans in place that Louise developed with OC&C Strategy Consultants and ITE’s Head of Strategy which will ensure these major events will now benefit from an ongoing investment programme. She has also recently successfully re-edited and re-positioned Autumn Fair. Louise will stay until the New Year to help the business finalise growth plans, as well as ensuring a smooth handover.

Louise continued: “It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave and one that I have given significant thought to, however it is absolutely the right time for me to consider other opportunities. The events now are well set with the re-edits planned and major investments on buyer programmes signed off by our board. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, both exhibitors and retailers and our highly supportive trade partners for making me feel so welcome in what is a fabulous and incredible industry, and I am sure the industry will do likewise for Julie.”

Julie added: “Under the new ownership of ITE Group, these major retail events will deliver a higher return on investment for our exhibitors and an unrivalled return on time for buyers. It’s an exciting time for the industry and one that I am looking forward to helping our customers navigate for their continued business success.”