Emma Howell appointed as the Middle East Development Director for Informa Markets Maritime & Cruise portfolio

In line with the strategic growth plan for the Middle East region, Emma Howell has been appointed as the Middle East Development Director for Informa Markets Maritime & Cruise portfolio. This includes several flagship Seatrade brands under its umbrella in the region, including Saudi Maritime Congress and Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East.

The Middle East region has for long been a key hub for several maritime and cruise brands, and home to many wider Informa Markets events. Her role will complement the Seatrade Maritime group of products led by Group Director, Chris Morley, and Seatrade Cruise, led by Mary Bond.

Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Williams, SVP of the portfolio said: “With operations returning to normalcy across various brands and sectors, the Middle East is a key development location for the maritime and wider related business. This is a region where the Seatrade brand has enjoyed a significant presence for a long period of time. As we move into 2023, the opportunity exists to really push forward and uplift our activities in the area once again.”

Emma has a long business history in the Middle East, stretching back to 1996, when she joined the launch team of Gulf Today as Business Editor, before moving into PR & Marketing for multiple international brands including Aston Martin and Fairline Boats. Emma joined the Seatrade family on her return to the UK, and has worked on several events as the Digital & Marketing Director, and now, as a commercial leader for the business.

“Emma will spend significant time, focus, and energy in the region to continue securing and maintaining high level relationships, and further strengthen the Seatrade Maritime and Cruise brands within the region,” added Andrew Williams.

Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “I have either lived or regularly visited this region for nearly 30 years now, and I think it is fair to say that I feel intrinsically interlinked with its growth and my own career. I welcome and look forward to this opportunity and meeting new faces, as well as working with friends and colleagues I have known for many years now.”

For the Seatrade portfolio, 2023 is an exciting year with a networking function planned in Dubai in February; the flagship Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East in Dubai in May; the next chapter of the highly successful Saudi Maritime Congress in September in the Kingdom; a Middle East focussed Special Report published in May, as well as numerous other activities.