ExCeL London has appointed Sir David Arculus as the new Chairman of ExCeL London.

Sir David Arculus has had a long and varied career in the media and exhibition industries including Emap and Clarion. As Group Managing Director of Emap he took the company into both Business to Business and the Business to Consumer Sector and was involved in the development and expansion of shows such as the Spring Fair and BETT. Subsequently he chaired Miller Freeman (now CMP) and has also served time as Chairman of Earls Court and Olympia.

Outside the Exhibition area Sir David has chaired O2 plc and also spent a period as Chairman of Tony Blair's Better Regulation Task Force. David started his post as ExCeL London Chairman on 1st August 2008.

Commenting on David's appointment, Kevin Murphy, CEO ExCeL London: "This is a very exciting and important appointment for ExCeL London, as David is a respected and leading figure in the business world with impressive credentials. His appointment is testament to the success of ExCeL and our continued ambition to maintain our reputation as the UK's premier exhibition and conference centre and a world class venue. David will play a major role working with the Executive Team to deliver Phase 2 and 3 of our expansion plans and I look forward greatly to working with him again."

Murphy continued: "Lord Tom King has been an inspirational Chairman for the last 9 years and his input, support and drive have been invaluable. He has been the driving force behind ExCeL London from the very start and continues to be. Tom will continue to work with ExCeL London as a non-executive director."

Sir David Arculus said: "I am looking forward to being involved with the expansion of ExCeL London and the future plans for the campus. The expansion will enable us to handle some of the biggest international events and to provide facilities for the 2012 Olympics."