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Paul Thandi CBE DL

Private Equity Investor, Board Member, Former Chairman and CEO at NEC Group

London, UK

Paul Thandi

Sally Tennant OBE

Acorn Capital Advisers

Paul Thandi’s Biography

Paul Thandi CBE, DL, is the charismatic and ambitious former Chairman and CEO of the NEC Group, one of the world’s leading venue management companies.

As CEO from 2006 to 2023, Paul successfully steered the NEC from public sector ownership to a £307 million management buyout in 2015. Just three years later, having significantly increased the NEC’s profit and turnover, Paul oversaw the acquisition of the Group by private equity company Blackstone for £800 million.

Under Paul’s leadership the NEC Group transformed into a customer-focused, data-led business and the Group’s brands and reputation have been re-defined. Part of Paul’s strategy was launching and developing a range of support services such as The Ticket Factory; hospitality brand, Amplify; and award-winning caterer, Amadeus.

Paul is an investor, mentor and sought-after Non-Executive Director and sits on the boards of Metro Bank, the West Midlands Growth Company, is Chair of private equity-backed BOXPARK and Student Energy Group, and an advisory board member at Inspired Minds. He also runs a small family office focusing... Paul Thandi CBE, DL, is the charismatic and ambitious former Chairman and CEO of the NEC Group, one of the world’s leading venue management companies.

As CEO from 2006 to 2023, Paul successfully steered the NEC from public sector ownership to a £307 million management buyout in 2015. Just three years later, having significantly increased the NEC’s profit and turnover, Paul oversaw the acquisition of the Group by private equity company Blackstone for £800 million.

Under Paul’s leadership the NEC Group transformed into a customer-focused, data-led business and the Group’s brands and reputation have been re-defined. Part of Paul’s strategy was launching and developing a range of support services such as The Ticket Factory; hospitality brand, Amplify; and award-winning caterer, Amadeus.

Paul is an investor, mentor and sought-after Non-Executive Director and sits on the boards of Metro Bank, the West Midlands Growth Company, is Chair of private equity-backed BOXPARK and Student Energy Group, and an advisory board member at Inspired Minds. He also runs a small family office focusing on investments in the property, biotech, entertainment, media, tech and medical sectors.

Paul is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and championed a range of development programmes and apprenticeships at the NEC. He also finds time to act as a mentor to two CEOs in the digital & media industry.

A committed philanthropist, Paul is a patron of Marie Curie, the UK’s foremost end-of-life charity, and sits on the Advisory Board of Bowel Cancer UK. He is a Patron of Best Beginnings, a charity that helps parents give children the best possible start in life.

In 2013 Paul was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, representing HM The King in the region. He was awarded a CBE for services to the economy in 2020. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Paul Thandi’s Newsfeed

The Business Desk

Major leisure operator to make Birmingham debut

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City AM

Metro Bank cancels bonuses for all executives after turbulent year and rescue

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Paul Thandi’s Background

NEC Group

Former Chairman & CEO

2006 - 2024

Birmingham, UK

The NEC Group is the UK’s foremost live events business and owns the NEC, Vox, ICC, Utilita Arena Birmingham, Resorts World Arena, Amadeus and The Ticket Factory. Paul served as CEO from 2006 before moving to the role of Chairman in 2023.

CMP Information

Executive Director

1996 - 2006

London, UK

CMP Information (CMPi) was an operating company of UBM, now known as Informa. CMP Information was a multimedia trading division that focused on exhibitions, conferences, digital, information products and online communities.

Paul Thandi’s Gallery

Current Board Positions

BOXPARK

Chair

Sep 2023 - Present

London, UK

BOXPARK is an innovative retail and dining concept, featuring shipping container-based pop-up shops and eateries. It offers a vibrant, urban atmosphere with diverse cuisine options, retail outlets, and live events.

The Student Energy Group

Chair & Shareholder

Sep 2023 - Present

Birmingham, UK

The Student Energy Group is a utility company that provides simple monthly statements that cover green energy, water, broadband, and TV license services.

Metro Bank

Independent Non-Executive Director

Jan 2019 - Present

London, UK

Paul Thandi sits on the Audit and Remuneration Committees of Metro Bank. Metro Bank was established in 2010, the first new high street bank to have been founded in over a hundred years.

British Allied Trades Federation

Member; Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees

Jun 2015 - Present

Birmingham, UK

The British Allied Trades Federation is made up five of the UK’s most important trade associations: the Giftware Association, the National Association of Jewellers, the Surface Engineering Association, the British Travelgoods and Accessories Association and the Jewellery Distributors Association. The BATF supports over 3,500 members and more than 50,000 employees.

West Midlands Growth Company

Director; Member of the Nominations & Remunerations Committee

Jun 2015 - Present

Birmingham, UK

The West Midlands Growth Company focuses on stimulating economic development in the West Midlands by attracting investment, jobs, visitors and businesses to the region.

True North Associates Ltd

Director and shareholder

2013 - Present

London, UK

True North Associates offers business consultancy services and mentorship. The company is owned and run by Paul and his wife Nicki.

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Previous Board Positions

NEC Group

Director

Jun 2015 - 2024

Birmingham, UK

The NEC Group employs 1,500 people, holds 750 events per year and welcomes over 7,000,000 visitors. The Group’s aim is to be the most successful live events organisation in Europe.

Birmingham and Solihull Employment and Skills Board

Chairman

Jun 2015 - Mar 2024

Birmingham, UK

The Birmingham and Solihull Employment and Skills Board forms part of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. It was established to address skills issues that impact the economic growth and productivity of the region.

Current Advisory Roles

Inspired Minds

Advisory Board Member

Feb 2021 - Present

InspiredMinds is a global science and technology strategy company that focuses on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) for the greater good, ensuring emerging technologies work for everyone, not just the privileged few. Paul Thandi acts as an advisor on commercial growth and investor relations.

Philanthropy

Best Beginnings

Patron

London, UK

Founded in 2006, Best Beginnings is a charity dedicated to helping all parents and care-givers give children the best possible start in life.

Marie Curie

Patron

Jun 2015 - Present

London, UK

Marie Curie is a non-profit organisation that supports those living with, or affected by, terminal illnesses by offering professional care, guidance and support.

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Media

CEO Stories: Paul Thandi CBE DL

Podcast

Oct 2022

Birmingham, UK

In this wide-ranging interview NEC Group CEO, Paul Thandi, talks to Henrietta Brealey about his career in the entertainment and leisure industry.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Interviewee

May 2020

London, UK

Paul is interviewed by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce CEO, Paul Faulkner, about the NEC's plans to re-open after lockdown.

Awards & Recognition

New Year Honours

Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Jan 2020

London, UK

Paul was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to the economy.

Public Service

West Midlands Lieutenancy

Deputy Lieutenant

2015 - Present

The West Midlands Lieutenancy is the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales, supporting a population of nearly 3 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Press Releases

NEC Group's Paul Thandi CBE, DL, to become Chairman after 16 years leading the business

Jul 2023

Birmingham, UK

Fellowships

Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Fellow

Jun 2015 - Present

London, UK

RSA Fellows are an indispensable part of the RSA’s mission to create a better future. They encourage new ideas, push for social change, offer practical solutions and support the aims of the RSA.