The NEC Group, the exhibition and events venues operator, has appointed Martin Angle as its new chair.

Angle, who has previously worked in senior board positions for Le Meridien Hotel Group and the Waste Recycling Group, will succeed acting chair Gary Allen.

The appointment follows the promotion of Paul Thandi – who joined the company in 2005 as commercial director – to chief executive officer in September.

Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, which owns the group, said: “The pairing of Paul Thandi and Martin Angle is one that will be extremely beneficial to the future success of the NEC Group.

“With Paul’s detailed understanding of the market and Martin’s broad business experience, we expect to see significant additional growth.”

The company operates five sites in Birmingham, including the National Exhibition Centre, the National Indoor Arena and the International Convention Centre.