Convention Data Services (CDS) has appointed a new president and CEO, as well as a new chairman of the board. The chairman will be available to the CDS staff as an advisor.
Doug Levinson, the new chairman, will also participate in quarterly board meetings. He will relinquish the running of the day-to-day operations of the company to John Kimball, who will take over as president and CEO, effective January 1, 2012.
“My executive team and I have worked on this plan for over a year and have carefully mapped out a timeline, in order to ensure a smooth transition and no disruption to the company,” said Doug Levinson, current President and CEO. “I have worked closely with John Kimball for over eight years. Under his leadership, I know the company will be in the hands of a trusted and respected leader.”
Kimball, current CFO of Convention Data Services, brings to his new role over 15 years of experience with the company and the tradeshow industry.
“Doug Levinson is a remarkable leader who has cultivated a customer service oriented environment at CDS,” said John Kimball. “I look forward to working with the CDS team in my new role because I believe in strong partnerships and furthering our commitment to customer service.”
Additionally, David Lawton—VP of sales/marketing, a 10-year veteran with the company and Becky Hansen—VP of event services, who has 29 years of experience in the tradeshow and meetings industry, have both been promoted to executive vice president in their respective current positions, effective immediately. Jen Leger, current CDS finance manager, will be promoted to director of finance effective January 1, 2012, and will run the finance department. Leger has been with the company for over 10 years.
