Comexposium accelerates its international expansion with new strategic leadership appointments

Comexposium today announced a series of strategic leadership appointments reflecting its ambition to accelerate the international expansion of its brands and strengthen its presence in key growth markets around the world.

Building on an established international footprint across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, Comexposium continues to expand its brand portfolio through a combination of local market expertise, strong professional communities and internationally recognised event platforms. From the SIAL Network, Vinexposium, SILMO and Milipol to Salon du Chocolat and Who’s Next, the Group continues to extend the reach of its brands while reinforcing their local relevance and industry impact.

The appointments announced today reflect this approach: establishing dedicated leadership in high-potential markets such as Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and India, while reinforcing the governance of established businesses and platforms across Southeast Asia and Northern Europe. Together, these appointments contribute to building a stronger international organisation capable of accelerating the development of Comexposium’s brands at a global scale.

Expanding Comexposium’s Global Footprint

As part of its long-term international development strategy, Comexposium continues to strengthen its presence in high-potential markets and business hubs around the world. The creation of dedicated leadership positions in Vietnam and the Middle East reflects the Group’s ambition to position its brands closer to the industries, communities and opportunities shaping future growth.

Saudi Arabia and the Middle East: creating a new platform for regional growth

Jawad El Hajri has been appointed Managing Director, KSA & Middle East.

• The creation of this new role underlines Comexposium’s ambition to accelerate the deployment of its brands across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Jawad will lead the Group’s regional development strategy while identifying new opportunities across the region.
• With over 25 years of experience bridging elite international sport, entrepreneurship and institutional development, he has built organisations and partnerships at the intersection of sport, business and innovation, with a strong network across governments, national institutions and sports authorities internationally.

Vietnam: establishing a long-term platform in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies

Khiem Vu has been appointed Managing Director Vietnam.

• This newly created role marks an important milestone in Comexposium’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economies. Khiem will oversee the Group’s development and local operations in the country while supporting the future deployment of Comexposium’s brands.
• Prior to joining Comexposium, Khiem served as Vietnam Country Manager at Global Sources, part of Clarion Events, where he developed extensive expertise in international trade ecosystems, B2B platforms and market development.

Strengthening Established International Platforms

Alongside these developments in new markets, Comexposium is reinforcing leadership across established businesses and international platforms that already contribute to the Group’s growth.

Henri Tan to lead the SIAL Network across ASEAN and India

• As part of its strategy to further develop the SIAL Network, the world’s leading network of food and beverage industry events, Comexposium has expanded the responsibilities of Henri Tan, who now serves as Managing Director, SIAL Network – ASEAN + India.
• Strengthening its governance of the SIAL Network across Southeast Asia and India reflects Comexposium’s ambition to accelerate collaboration across markets and further enhance value creation for exhibitors, buyers and industry stakeholders.
• With more than 27 years of experience in the exhibition industry, Henri has played a key role in developing Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL and expanding the SIAL Network throughout Asia-Pacific.

Nicolai Mouritzen appointed Managing Director, Insight Events Denmark

• Nicolai will lead the continued development of Insight Events Denmark, Comexposium’s Danish subsidiary specialising in B2B exhibitions and conferences for professional communities. He will develop this portfolio while supporting Comexposium’s growth ambitions across Northern Europe.
• Nicolai brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial development, partnerships, marketing and events. Prior to joining Comexposium, he held leadership positions at the Danish Football Association and Live Nation Denmark, where he successfully led commercial divisions and delivered significant growth.

Earlier this year: strengthening leadership in India

In February 2026, Comexposium appointed Sajid Desai as President & Country Head – Comexposium India.

In his role, Sajid is responsible for leading Comexposium’s development in India, strengthening the Group’s domestic portfolio, and accelerating the expansion of international brands, including SIAL, Vinexpo, Milipol, Intermat, ad:tech and the iMedia brands, in the Indian market.

With leadership teams now in place across India, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and a strengthened presence in Northern Europe, Comexposium is further aligning its organisation with the global ambitions of its brands.

By combining empowered local leadership with internationally recognised platforms such as SIAL, Vinexposium, Milipol, SILMO, Salon du Chocolat, iMedia (…), the Group is creating the conditions to strengthen its market positions and accelerate long-term growth across strategic regions.

Jawad El Hajri and Nicolai Mouritzen will report directly to Driss Tazi, Managing Director, EMEA, US & Group Transformation.

Khiem Vu and Sajid Desai will report to Elaine Chia, CEO, Comexposium APAC.

Henri Tan will report jointly to Elaine Chia, CEO, Comexposium APAC and Rodolphe Lameyse, Managing Director, Food & Beverage Division.