Simon Foster is a business leader in the exhibition and media industry.  

He is Group CEO of Arc, a global events, data, and information group that aims to create the future of networking by connecting communities, wherever, whenever, and however, people need to come together to meet, network, learn, and grow their businesses.

Before establishing Arc, Simon was CEO of Comexposium, where he led the transformation of an historically French business to become the world’s third largest pure-play events organizer and delivered a highly successful PE sale.  Simon also spent 19 years with UBM, now Informa, notably as CEO of UBM EMEA and UBM Americas. During his time at UBM, he had a strong track record of driving organic and acquisition-driven growth, launched products globally, cultivated and built partnerships, opened and grew in-region business infrastructures, and delivered strong profits.

For nearly 30 years, Simon has focused on bringing businesses to life through connections, people coming together to meet and develop opportunities. Simon has led rapid growth in his businesses through his expertise in international development, acquiring and integrating businesses, building leadership teams, and implementing enterprise-wide strategic focus. He continuously seeks to build teams and processes that thrive from disruption and propel the business and industry forward.

Simon is Chair of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) International Working Group and a member of the Independent Organisers Network (ION). As well, he is Non-Executive Director of Rego and a Board Trustee of Dreams Come True children’s charity.