After over a decade at the helm of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) as its chief executive, Peter King has announced his departure.
“I have spent over a decade with the MCEC, but I feel very good about the condition of the business and the way it is tracking post COVID. It is set up for future success and I feel the time is right for me to complete my term as Chief Executive and to “turn the page” and see what comes next.” Said Mr King in a post on his LinkedIn page.
Peter King oversaw the venue’s $208 million expansion in 2018, which has made it the largest centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere. During his tenure the MCEC delivered record revenue, not mention the wider economic contribution of this business for the state of Victoria, which is estimated to exceed $1.1 billion.
In recent years Mr King pushed MCEC to become a global leader in sustainability in business events. In 2018 MCEC became a partner in the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project which means the 20,000 square metre expansion space at MCEC, is powered with renewable energy. In 2019 the business recovered more than 68 tonnes of food waste and donated over 74,000 meals to food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 he managing the transformation and diversification of the business. This included supporting the Victorian State Government’s vaccination rollout and adapting the space to attract partners such as The LUME Melbourne, Australia’s first permanent digital art gallery. While competitors paused during lockdowns, Mr King oversaw a business transformation, to better position MCEC to serve customers in the wake of the pandemic.
“There will be a transition period, and I’ll remain with the business during this time.” Said Mr King. “I’m committed to ensuring its success as we emerge from the acute stage of the pandemic.”
