Sullens (pictured) will spearhead the creation of a raft of conferences, major events, shows and awards around Future’s specialist audiences in sectors including Technology, Digital Creative Media, Cycling, Crafts and Video Games. Future already hosts several internationally renowned consumer awards including the T3 Gadget Awards, the Classic Rock Roll of Honour and the Golden Joystick Awards – the world’s biggest video games awards.
Sullens joins from global live media and B2B communications specialist UBM plc, where he is Group Director, UBM Live London. Currently responsible for UBM Live’s portfolio of digital marketing, leisure and venue shows, Sullens was previously Show Director at Ithaca Media, where he drove significant growth across of number of events, including Leisure Industry Week, before the company was acquired by UBM plc.
Future CEO Mark Wood says: "Future engages with passionate and specialist audiences in many areas and we want to extend that engagement with B2B and consumer events. We know these can provide an opportunity to offer additional services to our consumers and allow them to meet experts and stars in their particular field.
"We see this area as a significant new revenue opportunity for the company. Jonny has the perfect combination of energy and experience to head up this exciting new business at Future – I’m delighted to have him coming aboard."
Jonny Sullens adds: “I am really excited to be joining Future and to have the opportunity to build an events business around its audiences. Future’s market leading portfolios are tailor-made for events as all the ingredients are there: prestigious brands in growth sectors, editorial content, prospective attendee data and existing relationships with commercial partners.”
Sullens will take up his new role in October. He will report directly to the Chief Executive.
