Commercial Director – Exhibitions & Events

Our client, a leading exhibitions and events organization in the Middle East, is hiring a Commercial Director to lead overall sales strategy, revenue growth, and commercial performance across a portfolio of large-scale exhibitions and conferences.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving revenue, managing high-performing sales teams, and expanding the commercial footprint of flagship and new event brands, including international and technology-focused exhibitions.

What you’ll be responsible for:

Commercial strategy & revenue leadership:

• Own and drive the commercial strategy for a portfolio of exhibitions and conferences
• Lead revenue delivery across space sales, sponsorships, and non-space products
• Identify new commercial opportunities and innovative sales programs to maintain market leadership
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and revenue performance against targets
• Review contracts and provide recommendations on commercial viability

Sales leadership & performance management:

• Lead, coach, and develop multiple sales teams across different event portfolios
• Set targets, monitor performance, and ensure consistent delivery across all sales bands
• Implement best practices, sales standards, and CRM-driven processes
• Actively participate in key account strategy and major client negotiations

Stakeholder & market expansion:

• Build and maintain senior relationships with exhibitors, sponsors, government bodies, and partners
• Support international market expansion and new show launches
• Represent the commercial function internally with senior leadership and cross-functional teams

Cross-functional collaboration:

• Work closely with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Product teams to ensure seamless delivery
• Ensure exhibitions meet the highest commercial and operational standards
• Act as a key voice in strategic planning and portfolio growth discussions

What we’re looking for:

• 10+ years of progressive commercial leadership experience in exhibitions, events, or large-scale B2B environments
• Proven track record of driving revenue for complex, multi-event portfolios
• Strong leadership experience managing senior sales teams
• Excellent commercial, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with technology-focused or international exhibitions is highly preferred
• Strong financial acumen and strategic mindset

Attributes that will help you thrive:

• Strategic, commercially minded, and data-driven
• Confident leading senior stakeholders and large teams
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Decisive, resilient, and accountable
• Collaborative, influential, and solutions-oriented

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.