U.K.-based Clarion Events has chosen David Audrain in the newly created position of president and CEO of its North American division, and Deutsche Messe has named Larry Turner president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.

“North America is our No. 1 target growth market, and with almost 20 years experience in the North American exhibition industry, Audrain is the perfect person to help us expand our business into this market, including targeting management contracts,” said Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events.

Audrain previously headed Messe Frankfurt’s North American division for six years, responsible for nine exhibitions in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Prior to 2006, Audrain held executive management roles with a number of international exhibition companies, including Advanstar Communications, Hanley Wood and Miller Freeman.

“The American market remains the largest and most important economy in the world and presents a tremendous growth opportunity for Clarion Events,” Audrain said.

He added, “I’m extremely pleased to be joining Clarion on this exciting expansion into North America.”

Clarion Events recently launched a U.S. edition of its Counter Terror Expo and is looking to expand even further in North America through more launches and acquisitions, according to company officials.

The company holds 200 events worldwide and has 13 offices in 10 different countries including the U.K., Turkey, The Netherlands, South Africa, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Germany and Singapore.

Turner is taking the lead at Hannover Fairs USA after a turn as interim CEO of the company since July 2011.

"Our search for a new president and CEO to guide Hannover Fairs USA and to build awareness of our global trade fair brands in the U.S. was very thorough, and we determined Larry is the best person to strengthen and grow our market share here," said Götz Dörmann, senior vice president of Global Alliances at Deutsche Messe. 

He added, “During the last six months, Larry has done a terrific job of creating a mission and building relationships with key U.S. clients. He brings the necessary skills and background to lead Hannover Fairs USA’s team forward in this tough economic climate.”

Prior to joining Hannover Fairs USA, Turner served as CEO of Roundhouse Advisors, a business-management consulting and coaching company. 

He has experience in several vertical markets, including high-technology, office automation, manufacturing and industrial automation and medical devices.  

He also has held sales and operations improvement positions of increasing responsibility at companies such as BancTec, Bell & Howell, Canon and Wybron. 

“I am thrilled that Deutsche Messe has given me the opportunity to continue to lead Hannover Fairs USA,” Turner said.

He added, “I feel privileged to work with such a dedicated and bright team of people.”