Paul is an experienced CEO, Chair and NED with diverse international media and service-led experience with an emphasis on people, innovation, data and culture. Paul is the former CEO and Chairman of the NEC Group in Birmingham and has successfully steered the NEC on a journey from public sector ownership, to a £307 million management buyout in 2015, and then an £800m acquisition of the NEC Group by Blackstone in 2018. In addition, Paul is the Chairman of BOXPARK, Chairman of Student Energy Group, sits on the Board of the West Midlands Growth Company Limited and the British Allied Trades Federation, and is a patron of Marie Curie and Heads Together. Paul is Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands Lieutenancy, representing the King in the region, and was awarded a CBE for services to the economy in the New Year's Honours List 2020.