Live Group appoints first chief strategy officer

UK-based international events and communications agency Live Group has appointed Stephen D. Pickett (pictured) as its first chief strategy officer (CSO). The appointment follows a record trading period for Live Group, which has seen a 200% increase in clients seeking long-term strategic partners in the events arena since 2020. As the company’s first CSO, Pickett will establish strategies that will help Live Group’s clients to deliver against their long-term business plans. Pickett joins Live Group from CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, where he held the role of vice-president, client experience. In this position he was responsible for developing the global brand strategy, onboarding fortune 100 brands and driving new market growth. Pickett has 24 years of experience in developing and implementing strategies to drive international sales growth and operational improvement, including roles at Canada-based Grainger Inc., Workopolis Online and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. Toby Lewis, CEO of Live Group, said: “Live Group firmly believes that the events industry is facing an unmissable opportunity to redefine how events are designed and delivered. Our team is committed to acting as a strategic partner to our clients in the development of long-term communications strategies and sustainable, accessible events that are built on audience insights and data. Stephen’s experience in international growth, business development and ESG is well-suited to support this mission.” Pickett said: “Live Group is committed to understanding the needs of its clients in order to help them adjust to the hybrid world. This allows the team to deliver strategic events and communications solutions that generate meaningful engagement. Now is the perfect moment to revolutionise how events are designed, with new priorities such as sustainability, D&I and employee engagement front of mind. “Data collection and analysis will also be crucial in achieving this mission. Live Group has an impressive dedication to technological innovation that can deliver valuable insights across in-person, virtual and hybrid events. I look forward to working with the team to showcase all of Live Group’s extensive capabilities through a global communications strategy, which will help our clients and drive our own business growth.”