Cindy D'Aoust, vice president, business strategy, MGME, and Jim Russell, global head, business events solutions, Maritz
Two meetings and incentive firms — Maritz and MGME — have
added veteran industry executives to their teams.
Jim Russell has been named global head, business events solutions, at Maritz.
Russell formerly held leadership positions with Freeman and Encore, and
currently serves as chair of Meetings Professionals International’s board of
directors.
"Jim is an exceptional leader whose innovative mindset and global
perspective align perfectly with the culture and capabilities at Maritz," said
David Peckinpaugh, the company's president and CEO. "This exciting addition to our
team enables me to focus more fully on my CEO responsibilities as part of
long-term succession planning, and I could not be more confident in his ability
to help chart the next chapter of Business Events Solutions at Maritz. His
leadership philosophy mirrors our commitment to developing talent, fostering
collaboration and supporting the success of our people. Most importantly, Jim’s
vision and experience will bring even more creative, high-impact solutions to
our clients."
About his new role, Russell said, "Maritz has a unique ability to
combine behavioral science, creativity and data to drive meaningful business
outcomes. I’m excited to join a team that is not only shaping the future of
business events but redefining the role those experiences play in helping
organizations connect, perform and grow."
Joining MGME
Cindy D’Aoust, who becomes MGME's vice president of business strategy,
will be responsible for guiding the company’s long-term direction and help
identify market trends, expansion opportunities and operational improvements.
D’Aoust formerly served as president and CEO of the Cruise Lines
International Association, and was COO at Meeting Professionals International.
"Having Cindy on the team was an obvious choice for us as we
look to amplify our impact in the expanding global event market," said
Carvie Gilikin, CEO of MGME. "We are confident that Cindy's appointment as
our new vice president of business strategy will help to improve our present
operations and bring additional value to our clients and, ultimately, their
attendees.”