Mike Rusbridge
Mike Rusbridge is the retired Chairman and CEO of Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading events organizer and a division of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider.
Mike has over 30 years experience in the exhibition industry, both at the sharp end, launching and running successful events, and in a strategic role, transforming a collection of local businesses into the world’s most global exhibition network. He joined the industry in 1979 becoming Managing Director of Cahners Exhibitions Ltd (part of Reed Elsevier) in 1982, Chief Executive for Reed Exhibitions Europe in 1988, President for Reed Exhibitions Europe and Asia in 1994, and Chairman of Reed Exhibitions worldwide in 1996.
During his career with the company, Mike developed Reed Exhibitions’ global network into one of unrivaled brand strength, industry knowledge, and organizational expertise. In doing so, he has negotiated a series of successful partnerships and acquisitions with venues, organizers, trade associations and government bodies. In 2000 he oversaw the purchase of Miller Freeman Europe which added one million square meters of space to Reed Exhibitions’ already established portfolio, creating the world’s largest exhibition organizer.
Today the company employs over 2,600 event specialists in 39 offices worldwide and organizes over 500 events serving 47 industry sectors.