Client Overview
Informa is one of the world's leading organisers of international events, exhibitions, conferences and specialist knowledge services. Operating across more than 30 countries, Informa delivers thousands of events each year, bringing together businesses, industries and professionals on a truly global scale.
With an expanding European events portfolio and an increasing focus on operational resilience, Informa partnered with Maxwell Stephens to recruit a Health, Safety & Security Manager (Europe). This strategically important appointment would lead health, safety and security across multiple countries while also acting as the Group's specialist adviser on travel risk and security.
The Challenge
Managing health, safety and security across a multinational events business presents unique challenges. Every event operates within different legislative frameworks, venue requirements and operational risks, requiring robust governance alongside practical operational leadership.
Informa required an experienced professional capable of developing and embedding consistent health, safety and security standards across its European operations while supporting business growth and protecting employees, contractors, exhibitors and visitors.
The successful candidate would be responsible for:
- Leading Health, Safety & Security across Informa's European events portfolio.
- Developing and implementing company-wide EHS policies and management systems.
- Acting as the Group's adviser on travel health, safety and security.
- Ensuring compliance with local legislation and international best practice.
- Conducting risk assessments and developing event-specific safety plans.
- Supporting major exhibitions, conferences and live events.
- Managing internal audits and external regulatory inspections.
- Producing reports and performance data for senior leadership and the Group Risk Committee.
- Delivering Health & Safety training and promoting a positive safety culture.
- Investigating incidents and implementing preventative measures.
- Driving continual improvement across operational risk management.
The role required a senior Health & Safety professional with extensive European experience, excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate confidently within a fast-paced international business.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Informa's senior leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organisation's operational structure, international footprint and strategic objectives.
Given the specialist nature of the role, we undertook a targeted executive search focusing on professionals with experience managing Health, Safety and Security across complex, multi-site or international organisations.
Our search concentrated on candidates who demonstrated:
- Extensive European Health & Safety leadership experience.
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification).
- IOSH Graduate Membership or higher professional accreditation.
- Strong knowledge of UK and European Health & Safety legislation.
- Experience within exhibitions, events, hospitality or complex operational environments.
- Security and travel risk management expertise.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders across multiple countries.
- Excellent communication, leadership and training skills.
Every shortlisted candidate completed a comprehensive assessment covering technical competence, leadership capability and cultural alignment before being presented to the client.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed an experienced Health, Safety & Security Manager who brought significant expertise in international Health, Safety and Security leadership.
The successful candidate quickly established themselves as a trusted adviser across the European business, strengthening governance while supporting the safe delivery of major international events.
Results Delivered
Stronger Health & Safety Governance
Comprehensive Health & Safety systems were implemented across European operations, ensuring consistent standards and compliance with local legislation.
Improved Event Safety
Robust event-specific risk assessments, safety plans and operational procedures enhanced the safe delivery of conferences, exhibitions and live events.
Enhanced Compliance
Working closely with internal teams and external regulators, the appointed manager strengthened compliance processes and successfully supported audits across multiple jurisdictions.
Leadership & Safety Culture
A comprehensive training programme was introduced, increasing awareness, improving competence and embedding a positive safety culture throughout the organisation.
Proactive Risk Management
Improved reporting, incident analysis and performance monitoring enabled the business to identify emerging risks early and continually improve operational resilience.
The Impact
The appointment significantly strengthened Informa's Health, Safety and Security function across Europe, providing strategic leadership during a period of continued international growth.
By improving governance, enhancing compliance and embedding best practice across multiple countries, the successful candidate helped ensure the safe, efficient and successful delivery of one of the world's largest events portfolios.
This assignment demonstrates Maxwell Stephens' expertise in recruiting senior Health & Safety, Security and Facilities professionals for global organisations where compliance, operational resilience and stakeholder confidence are business critical.