Paul Woodward Stepping Down as UFI Managing Director
February 17, 2015
In a letter to UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s members, UFI President Andrés Lopez-Valderrama said Paul Woodward, the organization’s managing director, would be stepping down later this year.
Lopez-Valderrama added that Woodward had made the decision “to spend more time with family and to cut down on travel and business commitments. UFI is in a very strong position, but we now have to embark on the task of finding a replacement for Paul.”
Woodward, who has been in the position for the past five years, will remain in his post until at least after the Milan Congress, UFI’s annual meeting scheduled Nov. 4-7.
Executive recruitment firm Heidrick & Struggles’ Paris office has been engaged to start the process to fill the position.
“This is without doubt the most engaging and interesting job I have ever had,” Woodward said of his time spent at UFI.
He added, “The opportunity to work closely with the leadership of our industry all around the world is incredibly stimulating. At the same time, I have been very lucky to work with a great team of people at UFI’s offices in Paris, Sharjah and Hong Kong and have enjoyed every minute. However, I will this year hit the milestone of 5 million kilometers flown for business since I first moved to Asia. That’s 14 times to the moon and back, and I’m looking forward to quite a bit less time in the air.”
Woodward will continue to be based in London and said, “I hope to be able to remain engaged with the industry for many years to come.”
UFI invites anyone to recommend suitable candidates directly to Heidrick & Struggles. The contact there is Didier Bonnefoy (dbonnefoy@heidrick.com).
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
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The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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