As part of its rapidly growing international team, Easyfairs is delighted to announce the appointment of Josh Brooks, previously Publisher of Packaging News and Electronics Weekly, as Business Development Director - Packaging.

Within this new role for Easyfairs and reporting to Global Brand Director Paul MacDonald, Brooks’ remit will have three key focuses: research and find new territories for the company’s existing event brands; identify opportunities for the launch of new brands within the packaging sector; and to develop the content strategy for the group’s growing packaging portfolio.

Easyfairs is the organiser of the largest global portfolio of packaging events, and has developed a specialism in events that create value for the packaging community that it serves; its collection of shows spans 38 events across 19 cities and 12 countries, attracting over 100,000 visitors and 3,500 exhibitors each year. Brands cover both broad industry events and ultra-niche shows that run across Europe, North America and Asia, including: Packaging Innovations, Empack, Label&Print, Luxury Packaging, Aerosol Dispensing Forum (ADF), Packaging of Perfumery, Cosmetics & Design (PCD) and global design awards ceremony Pentawards.

From Brooks’ extensive experience in editorial and publishing, he brings to the company a wealth of expertise in understanding markets, forging connections with key industry figures and personalities, and content. Specifically, Brooks has worked at the heart of the packaging market since 2008, first as Editor and latterly Publisher of Packaging News; previous to that he worked within the editorial team on PrintWeek for over four years. As such, he has developed a deep understanding of market trends, drivers and challenges, and conflicts and opportunities in the value chain for the packaging industry, which he will bring to the centre of Easyfairs’ value proposition and marketing messages for its events and communications.

Paul MacDonald stated: “I couldn’t be more delighted to have attracted someone of Josh’s calibre from within the packaging industry. He comes with an excellent reputation, great connections and knowledge of the global packaging industry that is second to none. As a group, we can’t move fast enough with our ambitions and growth for our packaging portfolio, and I know Josh will be central to our future and our vision to be the global leader in ultra-niche markets.”

Josh Brooks said: “I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career. Through Packaging News, I’ve worked closely with Easyfairs for nearly 10 years as Official Media Partner on its UK packaging events and have always been impressed by the company’s ambitious and professional culture and its commitment to delivering the best events possible for the communities it serves. Packaging is a fascinating industry and full of great people, so I’m thrilled to be staying in the sector. I can’t wait to get stuck into this new role and to be part of the fantastic Easyfairs team.”