Olympia Events has promoted Carly Gibbs to general manager of Olympia’s new International Convention Centre (ICC), as the London venue prepares for launch as part of Olympia’s wider £1.3bn redevelopment.
Gibbs joined Olympia Events in June 2025 as head of customer experience. She previously held senior roles at Chiswick Park Estate Management, Mitie, Comic Relief and Cancer Research UK.
The ICC forms a central part of Olympia’s long-running transformation project, one of the largest venue redevelopments currently underway in London. Alongside refurbished exhibition halls, the project includes new hotels, restaurants, bars, offices and entertainment spaces, with openings scheduled in phases through 2026 and 2027.
In her new role, Gibbs will oversee the operational launch of the ICC and lead customer experience strategy across the venue. She will also continue overseeing Olympia Events’ wider guest experience programme, including heritage event spaces and The Addison premium lounge, which is being operated in partnership with Legends Global.
Alex Lewis, coo of Olympia Events, said: “Carly’s promotion reflects both her exceptional leadership and the critical role customer experience will play in shaping Olympia’s future. Since joining Olympia Events, she has been instrumental in developing a people-first framework that will define how organisers, exhibitors and visitors experience our venues.”
Gibbs said: “This general manager role presents a rare opportunity to define the service standards and visitor experience for a completely new venue, while leading the delivery of a people-first approach.”
The ICC is expected to become one of London’s newest large scale convention venues as competition intensifies across the capital’s business events market, with venues increasingly focusing on premium hospitality and integrated mixed-use destinations to attract organisers and delegates.
Olympia’s wider redevelopment will conclude with the opening of the British Airways Theatre in 2027.
