Meet the team

Meet the team

The team at Manchester Central have together gained a wealth of experience in the events industry, so  clients can be confident that when they select Manchester Central for their event, they will be working with the best team in the business. Everyone connected with the venue is committed to providing the highest standard of customer care so that event organisers can relax in the knowledge that their event is in ‘safe hands’.

Angie Robinson, Chief Executive

Angie Robinson joined the venue as CEO in 2011 after a period of 6 years on the Board. Previously Angie was the CEO of the Inward Investment Company for Manchester and prior to that was the CEO of the City Region Chamber of Commerce with extensive management experience at the most senior level, Angie is ideally placed to lead the growth and development of one of the UK's most prestigious conference venue's.

Paula Lorimer, Sales Director

With a strong background in media and exhibition sales, Paula joined the venue in 2007 and, as Sales Director, led the sales team through a period of rapid growth and business development. Paula is also a Deputy Chief Executive.

Dirk Pittaway, Operations Director

Dirk's background heading up major projects in the construction industry lends itself well to his role leading the operational service delivery teams at Manchester Central. Dirk is also a Deputy Chief Executive.

Faye Dyer, Finance Director

Faye joined the venue as Financial Controller in 2010 following a successful career at KPMG. Faye brings robust financial control and a focused / commercial outlook.

Gordon Mackenzie, Catering Director

Gordon joined the company in January 2010 as a consultant in respect of the then outsourced Catering operation. Gordon has numerous relevant industry qualifications, with experience of large scale volume catering and retail operations gained through over 20 years with Forte, Kingfisher and Dobbies, where he was both Operations Director and Chief Operating Officer. Gordon has successfully internalised the venue's catering offer, managing the introduction of stock and ordering systems, resource planning and all aspects of operational activity within the division. He has been a key influencer in the improvements in the venue's hospitality service. Gordon is a people orientated manager with a practical outlook on operating business models.

Karen Jameson, Business Services Director

Formerly a Chief Inspector with Greater Manchester Police, Karen joined the company in 2008 to advise on security planning for major events. Since then she has also taken on responsibility for venue stewarding arrangements and reception services.

Simon Ashton, Head of Events

Simon joined the team as a venue event planner in 2005 after spending a number of years working on large scale European sports, lifestyle and music events. He has since gained invaluable experience working with some of the UKs highest profile conferences and exhibitions.

Sarah Bickerton, Senior Event Manager

Sarah joined the team in 2011 after spending over 3 years managing events at the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool. Sarah brings invaluable experience of large scale events both in the exhibition and conference industry.

Event Managers

Craig Beardall
Carole Marsh
Carol MacInnes
Nicky Yorke
Natalie Herbert

Sales Executives

Chris Martin - Special Event and Exhibition Sales
Jay Abbott - National Association Sales
Lisa Carter - International Sales
Nikki Corcoran - Corporate & Banqueting Sales