The boss of the of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) has announced plans to retire ahead of the opening of the new venue in 2018.
Brian Horsburgh, 64, will leave his role at the end of the month after 18 years with the AECC.
He said it was “time to move on and transfer AECC’s helm to a new leader who can take the business forward and manage the transition to the new venue”.
Graeme Cumming, currently deputy managing director and finance director will take over as “acting” managing director, while Fiona Mann, the venue’s director of operations and safety will become Mr Cumming’s deputy, also on an acting basis.
A spokeswoman for the AECC said there has been “no decision made” on whether the local authority-owned venue will launch a recruitment drive for a permanent replacement for the role.
Mr Horsburgh joined AECC in 1997 as director of conferences, just as plans were being put in place to extend the Bridge of Don venue. As sales and marketing director, he welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Anne when it was re-opened in 2003.
He said the last 12 years has been an “interesting journey”.
“I’ve been privileged to lead one of the UK’s great conference and exhibition facilities supported by a great team here,” Mr Horsburgh said.
“After almost 18 years with the company and seven as MD, it’s time to move on and transfer AECC’s helm to a new leader who can take the business forward and manage the transition to the new venue.
“Whilst the current business environment is challenging, the future of the city region and the new AECC is positive, exciting times lay ahead. I wish the team and the venue redevelopment every success.”
AECC Chairman, Ed Gillespie, said he and the board of the AECC offered the “very best wishes to Brian in his retirement”.
He added: “The next few years will be filled with excitement and change for the AECC team, this will lead to a fantastic legacy to be enjoyed not just by the people of Aberdeen but by music fans, visitors and conference delegates from across the North East of Scotland and beyond.”
In a statement, AECC said turnover had trebled from £2.5million in 2001/2002 to £8.45million in 2013/14. This amounted to a rise in economic contribution to the north-east region from around £12million in 1989 to £140million per annum.