PARIS — The Board of Directors of UFI, the global association for the exhibition industry, has elected Michael Duck as its incoming President. He will serve for the 2022-23 term, replacing Monica Lee-Müller, UFI President 2021-22 and Managing Director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Anbu Varathan of the Machine Tool Manufacturers Association of India is the immediate past President of UFI for 2020-21. The decision will come into effect at the end of the 88th UFI World Congress, which will take place from November 3-6 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Duck, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Informa Markets, said: “It is a true honour and privilege to follow in the footsteps of the ‘greats’ of the exhibition industry.”
As UFI’s new president, Duck will work closely with the current and past presidents – the Presidential Trio – to help UFI in its mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry globally.
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“Being part of the leadership of the new UFI trio during this time of COVID-19 is a challenge and a responsibility that I will take very seriously,” Duck said. “The next three years will show how we, as an industry, will reform, reinvent, renew and reinvigorate ourselves because we know and understand the benefits we bring to millions of people and society as a whole.”
Duck has a long history with UFI, having served in various roles over the past 25 years, including founding chair of the UFI Asia Pacific Chapter and the UFI Sustainability Committee. His position at Informa, the world’s largest exhibition organizer, also positions him well to lead UFI into the post-pandemic future.
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“My work with Informa Markets brings me many benefits, including the support of a great organization and great people. From our long-standing shows to our recent participations, we are all facing the same issues: COVID-19, vaccinations, quarantine, digital, sustainability, diversity, economic recognition, etc. I think it helps me a lot to bring my industry perspective to UFI, and of course, I learn from others to benefit my company, Informa, as well.”
“I would like to thank President Anbu Varathan, Past President (2019-2020) Mary Larkin and incoming President Monica Lee-Muller for their confidence in me in this role. I would also like to thank the UFI Board of Directors for their vote.
“I would also like to pay a big tribute to the great UFI team worldwide, led by the very capable (UFI CEO and Managing Director) Kai Hattendorf. I look forward to working even more closely with them in the future.”
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Contact Michael Duck at Michael.Duck@informa.com