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MPI Names Van Deventer President and CEO

MPI Names Van Deventer President and CEO

New executive has high-level experience with multinational business

Dallas-based MPI announced today that its board of directors has appointed Paul Van Deventer the new president and chief executive officer of the organization.

Most recently, Van Deventer served as a vice president in the Health & Wellness Division at Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the United States, where he was responsible for overseeing revenue generation and client retention for Walgreens’ $500 million suite of employer-focused healthcare solutions, according to MPI.

“Having led business groups for blue chip Fortune 100 companies, Paul is a seasoned senior executive with both international and travel industry experience and a proven track record for driving growth, creating brand value and developing high-performing, engaged teams from the inside out,” Kevin Hinton, MPI chairman and executive vice president of Associated Luxury Hotels International, said in a statement.

Earlier in his career, Van Deventer spent 22 years with American Express, with direct experience with the business travel sector and with meetings and events. As senior director of multinational sales and operations, he led a $350 million global business unit with responsibility for more than 50 business travel customer service centers, 500 employees and a meetings/events group focused on the automotive industry, MPI said. He also spent two years directing American Express’ $3 billion travel and corporate card businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

“Paul is client-focused, smart and engaging, possessing the skills and experience to build strong relationships and transform businesses,” Hinton said. “We believe he’s the right leader to leverage our existing strengths and strategy to broaden MPI’s impact – be it through new partnerships, products or market opportunities. He will be a compelling evangelist for MPI, as we look to expand our engagement with members, chapters, the business community and the broader meetings and events industry.”

Van Deventer will begin his new role leading the association’s global staff, which includes offices in Europe and Canada, on April 29. As CEO, he will have responsibility for managing MPI’s operating budget, while overseeing all membership programs and services and working closely with MPI’s Board of Directors to guide the association’s vision and industry growth. He will also serve as liaison to the MPI Foundation, dedicated to advancing the meetings and event profession, the association said.

“MPI has a rich history of industry leadership, education and best practice facilitation, led by a group of passionate and engaged volunteers and professional staff,” Van Deventer said in a statement. “I am excited to be returning to my meetings and travel roots to help leverage MPI’s strong brand and vibrant chapter network to invigorate and engage MPI members and expand MPI’s global reach and role as an industry advocate.”

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