Martin Snedden appointed as BEIA Board Chair

Former international cricketer and experienced Chief Executive, Martin Snedden CNZM has been appointed as the new Independent Chair of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA).

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says the board is excited to have Snedden agree to head the industry's flagship organisation and added “we are delighted to have Martin join the industry, as we head into a new era for New Zealand's business events presence on the world stage.”

He takes on the position previously held by Steve Armitage, who is now Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand.

Hopkins says the work of BEIA has grown and developed under Armitage's leadership over the past two years and shared “the industry will be forever appreciative of Steve's guidance during this crucial crisis and recovery period for our industry sector.”

Martin Snedden is well known as an international cricketer who represented New Zealand. He was CEO of Rugby World Cup 2011 and made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012. As CEO of the Tourism Industry Association, he led New Zealand's tourism industry, during 2012 and 2013, through the creation of 'Tourism 2025'. He has since held a variety of governance roles including, until recently, Board Chair of New Zealand Cricket.

Outgoing Chair, Steve Armitage welcomed Snedden's appointment and shared “Martin's governance background, knowledge of membership associations, and experience leading major events will be an absolute asset to the business events sector going forward.”

Snedden says he is thrilled to be taking on a new challenge leading an industry sector which encompasses tourism, economic development, social and environmental issues and enthused “I am excited to be working with the BEIA Board, Lisa and her team and look forward to gaining many new insights, and to sharing my experience with this engaged and passionate industry."