AES announces new managing director

SYDNEY AES Exhibition Services (AES) has appointed Matthew Pearce as managing director, taking over from company founder, Graeme Selby.

Pearce's appointment marks the beginning of a new era for AES, which will re-brand from 1 July as Diversified Exhibitions Australia. This will align the company with its US parent, Diversified Business Communications. Since the acquisition in 2000, AES has experienced rapid growth with a doubling of revenues and a strong profit performance. "AES remains committed to expanding both in the field of exhibitions and in related media sectors," said Selby. He added: "The appointment of Matthew Pearce reflects a desire to draw on expertise external to the exhibition industry and to optimise the potential for income generation in non-traditional marketing areas." Selby said that one of Pearce's first challenges will be overseeing the transition of the AES brand to Diversified Exhibitions Australia. Pearce's experience in print media — which enjoys many similarities to exhibitions — will add a new dimension to the company's operations moving forward. Selby remains Chairman of AES and will focus on business development opportunities.