Travel Weekly Group has appointed former WTM marketing chief Micaela Juarez to develop a new series of business-focused events.
The UK’s market-leading travel trade media company said the appointment reflected its plans to dramatically expand its events portfolio alongside its print and digital products in 2014.
Juarez will oversee a new series of bespoke networking events in the travel sector, with an initial focus on the UK but a remit to expand internationally over the next 12 months.
Juarez, who has left her role as head of marketing and communications at Reed Exhibitions’ flagship travel trade event, will take on the newly created role of commercial events director when she joins Travel Weekly in February.
She said: “I have enjoyed a wonderful 13 years at WTM, but I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to create a dynamic and modern commercial events business for Travel Weekly Group.
“I have worked with Travel Weekly for a number of years as media partners of WTM, and I now can’t wait to join the team and begin contributing to their future success.”
Since its acquisition from Reed Business Information in 2009, Travel Weekly Group has seen substantial investment, growth, and diversification of product.
Twelve months ago the Caterer and Hotelkeeper portfolio was also purchased from Reed Business Information, while in July the company’s digital ambitions were enhanced with the beta launch of professional network Connecting Travel.
Clive Jacobs, owner and chairman, said: “I am thrilled Micaela has agreed to join Travel Weekly Group; she will bring a wealth of enthusiasm and experience to an already thriving team.
“We have grown the events portfolio within the combined business to 45 events annually, and I am extremely excited to see how Micaela plans to take this further still, especially in international markets.”
He added: “This is the latest step in our strategy to build a major B2B media business through a combination of organic product development and future synergistic acquisitions.”