Sodexo sales manager announced as ILEA UK president elect

Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events regional sales manager Cecilia Lavin has been announced as president elect of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) UK chapter. The ILEA is a global network of more than 4,000 event professionals who connect to share ideas and best practice in high production, experiential and creative event design. Lavin will take over presidency next year from the incumbent Carlo Zoccali. Currently vice president for membership, Cecilia first became involved with the ILEA as UK director of membership, a role she held for three years. She has also supported the association as a member of the international membership development committee. Cecilia joined Sodexo in 2016 when Sodexo Sports & Leisure acquired Peyton Events and the public catering contracts of Peyton & Byrne. Cecilia was responsible for managing client relationships and providing sales support at Peyton Events across a number of London venues. Lavin commented: “I’m incredibly honoured to be announced as president elect of ILEA UK. I’m passionate about education in the industry and now being part of Sodexo there’s a fantastic alignment with our global business and the ILEA. “I look forward to taking up the presidency next year and really supporting the UK events industry at a country and international level, whilst also putting education and knowledge sharing at the forefront.” Incumbent president Carlo Zoccali said: “I could not think of anyone I would want more than Cecilia to preside over the association as president of ILEA UK for 19/20. She has always demonstrated a passion for the events industry and been a massive advocate of ILEA and the work we do to support the conversation around events.”