GLL, the UK's leading charitable social enterprise which operates one of London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games' most iconic venues, the Copper Box Arena, has strengthened its management team with the key appointment of Altu Collingwood as Events Manager.

Altu, who is originally from Hull, has landed the coveted role at the prestigious venue and will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and successful attraction and delivery of the events business at the Copper Box Arena and Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 

With nearly 10 years' extensive experience in the events industry, Altu has worked in a number of event management roles including: delivering live music events and extreme sports festivals on behalf of Liverpool City Council for up to 30,000 people; business development management for the BT Convention Centre and 11,000-seat Echo Arena in Liverpool and contract event management work on behalf of household name brands such as: RNIB; Myspace Europe; Casio and Sony Walkman.

Altu's appointment as Events Manager at the Copper Box Arena and the Aquatics Centre comes at a key time for GLL which oversees the management of over 110 public leisure centres across England and Wales in partnership with around 30 councils and organisations and employs more than 5,000 people.

The re-launch of the Copper Box Arena as a 7,000-capacity entertainments and sporting venue marks a significant development for GLL which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and its huge success as the UK's first and now largest, leisure trust and social enterprise.

Tony Wallace, Head of Major Venues at GLL, said: "During the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, the Copper Box Arena was known as the 'box that rocks' and we want to continue the venue's superb reputation as the place to go and have the time of your life with an exciting, action-packed schedule of world-class sporting events, live music concerts and other amazing entertainment events.

"Altu's appointment as Events Manager is absolutely vital for GLL - helping us to attract the world's sporting elite and the very best headline acts to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and ensure that the Copper Box Arena continue to play a vital and vibrant role in the lasting legacy of London 2012."  

Altu added: "I am thrilled and honoured to be given the opportunity to head up the events team here at the Copper Box Arena. It is hard to believe that 12 months' ago while working on an event in the US, I was watching the amazing array of sporting achievements during the Games on TV and now here I am, actually playing a part in the Olympics legacy, driving and delivering high-profile events to one of the country's most iconic and inspirational venues.

"The fact that GLL is a charitable social enterprise with all profits invested back into the business to benefit employees and everyone in the local community is important to me and something I feel a huge amount of pride in being a part of. I will work hard to ensure The Copper Box Arena is a venue for all, with something for everyone to enjoy, engage in and remember for years to come."