The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has appointed Luke Perry to the newly-created position of SALTEX & Events director, and he will be primarily responsible for the growth, development, management and delivery of the annual SALTEX exhibition.

A batchelor in politics, Luke will be based at the IOG’s Milton Keynes HQ in a role that the Institute says embraces full accountability for SALTEX sales, services, performance and profitability, as well as future strategy while maintaining a high level of client and team satisfaction.

Commenting on his new role, Luke says, “I am excited to be joining the IOG with the aim of contributing to the ongoing success of such a flagship event. I look forward to utilising my experience of over 20 years in the exhibition industry, and to getting to know my colleagues at the IOG as well as IOG members and those throughout the groundscare industry.”

IOG chief executive, Geoff Webb, added, “Looking to build on the success of SALTEX, Luke’s appointment will considerably extend our in-house expertise - not only in delivering SALTEX but also with a view to providing a schedule of year-round events for members. His appointment also assists the development of other existing IOG products and services and will help us continue to deliver excellent benefits to our membership.”

Luke will report to Geoff Webb and will work alongside the IOG’s head of member services - communications & events, Karen Maxwell, who is a key conduit between the IOG and its existing contractors, Events For You and Fusion Media, which between them run SALTEX’s sales, marketing and PR activities.