Officials at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), a global meeting and event industry association, announced the selection of a senior director of European operations at its 2013World Education Congress in Las Vegas.
MPI selected Pierre Fernandez, who will lead and oversee European membership, chapter relations, sales and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the chief operating officer, Fernandez began the new role on July 20.
“Pierre is a proven leader and comes to us with an extensive and diverse background. We believe his business acumen, industry expertise and passion for MPI will be critical as we build upon our strong foundation in Europe,” said Cynthia D’Aoust, chief operating officer, MPI. “Europe is an important constituency for MPI, and we look forward to growing our European community under Pierre’s strategic leadership.”
Fernandez has had a long career in the hospitality and meeting and event industries and was instrumental in establishing the former MPI France Chapter over a decade ago, which is now part of the MPI France-Switzerland Chapter.
He previously held leadership positions with P.E.F. Services, a condominium maintenance service company; the Four Seasons Resort Provence, where he orchestrated the pre-opening marketing and communications strategy; Disneyland Paris Business Solutions, where he lead the business unit in charge of the MICE business, and the InterContinental Carlton Hotel in Luxembourg and Cannes.
