Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has announced the appointment of new Chair, Bruce Baird AM, effective 1 September 2017. Mr Baird replaces the highly respected Col Hughes, who had a 15-year association with the organisation. 

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has announced the appointment of new Chair, Bruce Baird AM, effective 1 September 2017. Mr Baird replaces the highly respected Col Hughes, who had a 15-year association with the organisation. 

“The appointment of Bruce Baird as Chair to Business Events Sydney is a huge asset to not only our business, but also the business events sector. Bruce has had a distinguished career spanning government, industry and not-for-profit sectors. A skilled operator and experienced board member, he will provide a unique perspective on supporting our efforts to secure global events that generate trade and industry growth,” said BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith.
 
Bruce Baird served as the Federal Member for Cook for close to a decade, a seat now held by Treasurer Scott Morrison. He previously held roles as New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Transport, Tourism, Roads and for Sydney’s Olympic Bid. His career has included stints in the petroleum industry, as Australia’s Assistant Trade Commissioner in Germany, and Trade Commissioner in New York. Prior board positions include Chair National Rail Corporation and the Tourism and Transport Forum and Director of ABN Amro Hoare Govett.
 
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Col Hughes, outgoing Chair, for his board leadership over the past ten years. I am looking forward for continuing his success and working alongside a highly experienced board and management team to support efforts that draw priority business events to Australia,” said Mr Baird.
 
“Business events are important vehicles that boost and profile our infrastructure, technology, health, agribusiness and education sectors. We will continue to engage with our focus markets of Asia, North America and Europe to grow business, trade, investment and the visitor economy in NSW,” he added.

Excerpt from BESydney Media Release 16 August 2017