Arena – the hospitality and foodservice networking association – has announced that Martin Robinson, Chairman of Center Parcs UK, will address industry leaders and professionals from across the hospitality, foodservice and leisure, travel and tourism industries at the highly regarded Arena Savoy Lecture on Monday 23 March 2015 at the Savoy Hotel, London.
He will share the Center Parcs story to date and draw upon his wide industry knowledge and expertise to look at topical and current industry issues and trends going forward.
As chairman of Center Parcs UK since 1999, Martin has successfully and profitably led the business under the ownership of Scottish & Newcastle as a standalone plc, the private equity ownership with DB Capital Partners/Mid Ocean, and currently Blackstone. He was also CEO and chairman of Center Parcs Europe from 1996 until its sale to Pierre & Vacances in 2004.
Both in Europe and the UK Martin’s business prowess has been instrumental in the evolution and rise of Center Parcs. He directed the twin MBOs to DB Capital Partners/Mid Ocean, the sale of the European business to Pierre & Vacances, the IPO of Center Parcs UK on to AIM and its second MBO into Blackstone.
Putting this in figures, his leadership of Center Parcs Europe enabled substantial EBITDA growth from £85m to £150m, and for Center Parcs UK he has realised an impressive EBITDA growth from £36m to £200m.
And much more…
There is also much more to Martin than Center Parcs. His expertise and influence straddles the hospitality, casual dining, leisure, travel and tourism sectors. As well as chairman of Center Parcs UK he is also: non-executive chairman of one of the UK’s leading casual dining operators, Tragus Group; chairman of Inspiring Learning that creates inspiring learning experiences for young people; supervisory board director and audit committee member of Disneyland Resort Paris; non-executive director and chairman of audit and risk committee for Majid Al Futtaim Ventures that is responsible for all leisure, entertainment and cinema facilities at Majid Al Futtaim malls in the Middle East and North Africa; operating partner of private equity firm Duke Street Capital; and co-founder and director of Figaro LLP, a partnership of expert leisure operators that provides buyout and portfolio business support across the leisure sector.
Lorraine Wood, Director, Arena, comments: “Martin Robinson is perfect for the Arena Savoy Lecture. His expertise and insight is vast and far reaching. His story, achievements and views will not fail to resonate with and inspire professionals from all sectors of our industry. Add to this the fact that Center Parcs is currently making headlines regarding its impending stock market flotation or sale and I am sure we can all expect a most fascinating, relevant and valuable lecture.”
Tickets cost £195 plus VAT for Arena members and £245 plus VAT for non-members.
For more information and tickets click here or contact Lorraine Wood on lorraine@arena.org.uk / 07803 853 618