Nicole Walker has stepped down as CEO, director and shareholder of Australia-based international professional conference organiser (PCO) Arinex. She finishes after 11.5 years at the group, including four significant years of leadership since acquiring the company from Roslyn McLeod OAM in 2021.
Walker steered Arinex through Covid and was instrumental in a number of notable conferences during her tenure, including the 6000-pax LNG18 in 2016, ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2023, the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. She is also credited with playing a leading role in bringing together industry bodies to establish the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).
Walker said she looked forward to spending more quality time with her family, including her three young children, but plans to remain in the industry. “My time at Arinex has been immensely fulfilling, from starting out as a project coordinator to becoming CEO and shareholder. Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with so many inspiring colleagues and clients who have challenged me, supported me, and shared in the vision of creating of world-class events. Arinex has long been a pioneer in the business events industry, and I feel honoured to have contributed to its remarkable journey.”
McLeod said: “Nicole has been an outstanding leader who brought vision, energy and resilience to Arinex. She guided the company through some of the most challenging times in our history while also positioning it for future growth. Her commitment to innovation, sustainability and people has left a lasting legacy and I am immensely proud of what she has achieved and grateful for the impact she has had on both Arinex and the wider business events community.”
Walker has exited her investment in Evenex Holdings, the owner of Arinex, completing the sale of her shares to existing shareholders. Arinex thanked Walker for her contributions and wished her well in her future endeavours.
Photo: Nicole Walker (Left), Roslyn McLeod OAM (Right)
