LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Convene, a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and manages premium meeting, event, and flexible workspaces, today announced two new UK leadership team appointments; Simon Lee joins as Head of Finance, Group Controller, effective immediately, and Niamh Martin will join Convene as Managing Director of the company's UK business, effective February 5, 2024. These additions will support continued expansion across the UK and into Europe as the company anticipates imminent growth opportunities globally.
“Convene has grown a strong foothold in the UK market since our expansion into London in 2022, including our recent acquisition of etc.venues earlier this year,” said Ryan Simonetti, CEO and co-founder of Convene. “With the accelerating demand for premium, lifestyle-focused, meeting, event and workspaces, we are bolstering our leadership team to support ongoing growth. We are pleased to welcome Niamh and Simon to Team Convene and know their deep luxury and hospitality experience will be beneficial in leading and expanding the UK business of Convene moving forward.”
- Martin has 18+ years of experience in the lifestyle hospitality industry. As UK Managing Director, she will oversee site operations, financial performance, and growth of the company’s UK business. Prior to joining Convene, Martin spent more than six years with Selfridges, where her strategic vision placed hospitality at the forefront of a luxury retail business. She had full operational oversight of 22 restaurants across London, Manchester and Birmingham as well as the development of new food and beverage concepts from inception to opening.
- Lee, who is FCCA qualified, has more than 30 years of experience in international finance, focused on the hospitality and luxury business sectors. As Head of Finance, Group Controller at Convene, Lee will oversee the UK finance team while partnering with Convene’s newly appointed CFO Al Bentley on the company’s global expansion plans. Lee was previously working with Convene on a consulting basis; prior to officially joining the company he served as Vice President of Finance and Accounting with Diamond Resorts and Financial Controller at the Remy Cointreau Group.
Convene is the largest single provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the UK with a network of 38 premium meeting, event, and flexible office locations across its portfolio of brands.
About Convene:
Convene is a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and manages premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces. It is the largest single provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the UK with a network of 38 locations across nine cities; Convene’s portfolio of brands includes etc.venues, SaksWorks, Club 75, and the “by Convene” label for bespoke locations in partnership with other organizations. With a combined 44 years of experience, Convene brands bring hospitality and lifestyle into traditional commercial real estate assets, partnering with the industry’s top landlords to deliver increased building value while also creating premium experiences for tenants. The company counts Ares, RXR Realty, and Hudson’s Bay Company among its investors, and has been named one of America’s 100 Most Promising Companies by Forbes and a Best Workplace by Inc. magazine, Fortune magazine, and Built In. Learn more at https://convene.com/
