Hugh Jones Named CEO of Reed Exhibitions, Replacing Chet Burchett

January 31, 2020

After five years at the helm of Reed Exhibitions, Chet Burchett will be retiring from the global company, and Hugh Jones will be stepping in Feb. 1.

“I’m looking forward to bringing more increasingly sophisticated data-led analytics and technology to more customers around the world,” Jones said. “Exhibitions is an exciting, entrepreneurial industry, and the fundamentals of the business are excellent.”

He added, “Combining the best of face-to-face connections with technology and rich data analytics will provide new value to our more than 7 million exhibitors and visitors. This ensures that their investment of time and resource in our exhibitions becomes even more valuable, efficient and relevant to their individual needs, ensuring that they grow their business.”

Jones joined RELX in 2011 when it acquired Accuity, where he was serving as CEO.

Most recently, he has been the Global Managing Director for Accuity, Cirium, Estates Gazette (EG) and ICIS - all part of Risk & Business Analytics, a division of RELX.

He will report to RELX CEO Erik Engstrom.

Burchett, a 15-year-veteran of Reed Exhibitions, will serve as non-executive Chairman through 2020, focusing on special projects and providing transitional support to Jones.

“It has been an honour to lead the team at Reed Exhibitions and a privilege to serve the company,” Burchett said.

He added, “Hugh is a proven CEO and well-recognised for an outstanding track record of driving growth. Coming from a business where the importance of data analytics and product-driven innovation is paramount, he will be a fantastic leader for the company.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.