LAS VEGAS – Global Experience Specialists (GES), a global experiential marketing and logistics partner for the exhibition and live events industry, has announced the promotion of Derek P. Linde to GES President, in addition to his existing role as Viad’s Chief Operating Officer, effective June 3, 2024.
Steve Moster, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viad, said, “Derek is a trusted thought leader who has demonstrated his ability to advance our strategic goals through a collaborative approach. Over the past few years, he has been instrumental in shaping and supporting important transformative actions across GES that delivered enhanced revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow, including the launch of our Spiro experiential marketing agency and various margin initiatives within GES Exhibitions. Under Derek’s leadership, the GES team will continue to build on the momentum of our successful strategies by capitalizing on GES’s global strength and growth opportunities.”
Linde joined Viad as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in April 2018 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in March 2022. In this role, Linde has helped define and drive strategic and operating initiatives that are accelerating the growth of the enterprise and positioning Viad to maximize value now and into the future.
Prior to joining Viad, Linde served in various legal leadership roles at Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) supporting enterprise transformation and business operating objectives, and as a partner at the global law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP.
“His vital role in spearheading and fortifying innovative endeavors throughout GES has yielded tangible results in the expansion of earnings, financial health, and liquidity,” said GES Exhibitions North America, President, Jeff Quade. “As we move forward under Derek's guidance, he will continue to leverage GES's global prowess and expansive growth prospects, building on the foundation of success already established."
“Derek has a terrific understanding of the business which will be drawn on as he guides GES through a period of strong expected growth, including further internationalization of our operations and through the introduction new products, services and technologies to the GES portfolio,” said GES Exhibitions EMEA, President, Jason Stead. “In his new role he’ll build upon our past successes and continue to contribute to the wider strategy, ensuring future growth for the GES portfolio.”