Alastair Machray, Alexandra Cousins and Jon Corner will contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation and support the executive and non-executive directors.
Machray recently retired from Reach plc as editor of the Liverpool Echo and editor-in-chief of Reach North West and North Wales.
Cousins provides business development consultancy to public, corporate, SMEs and third sector organisations such as delivering place making, digital and social projects.
Corner has successfully grown digital marketing and communications businesses, specialising in strategic leadership in digital policy, strategy and transformation for public and private organisations.
Max Steinberg CBE, chair of The ACC Liverpool Group, operator of ACC Liverpool, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the M&S Bank Arena, said: “We are pleased to appoint three new independent non-executive directors to our board.
“Each director has a wealth of experience across many different facets of business and we are confident that they will add strength and expertise to our existing board, supporting the strategic direction of our organisation.”
Machray said: “The ACC Liverpool Group operates one of the most iconic events campuses in the UK and is important to so many people in Liverpool and across the region as a place where everyone can come together to enjoy themselves and to do business.
“I’ve been a proud supporter since it opened in 2008 and to be appointed as a non-executive independent director is an absolute privilege.”
Cousins said: “Everyone at The ACC Liverpool Group is focused on delivering fantastic events and supporting the development of Liverpool as a truly international destination. I’m hugely proud to become part of such a dynamic, innovative and resilient team, supporting the strategic direction of the company.”
Corner added: “Throughout my involvement in the development of Liverpool City Region’s creative and digital economy, I have witnessed and supported the incredible journey The ACC Liverpool Group has been on and the key role it plays in driving national and international profile for the region. I am looking forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Over the past 15 months, the company has played a key role in Liverpool’s pandemic response and recovery planning, operating its venues as a food and PPE distribution centre and as a covid-19 smart testing site. ACC Liverpool also recently hosted the UK’s first conference as part of the government’s Events Research Programme – a science-led initiative to get audiences back safely as restrictions are gradually eased. The Good Business Festival’s launch event, Change Business for Good, was the first in-person live business event to take place without covid measures in place.
Faye Dyer, managing director of The ACC Liverpool Group, added: “The new independent non-executive directors join at a crucial time as we focus on the recovery of our organisation and, following the government announcement regarding the easing of restrictions from July 19, a return to full capacity events. I am looking forward to working with Ali, Alex and Jon as we forge ahead to the next phase of our journey.”
