Business Design Centre's Graham Stephenson becomes AEV chair

Chief operations officer at the Business Design Centre, Graham Stephenson, has been elected chairman of the Association of Event Venues (AEV).

Stephenson takes over from the outgoing chairman, Excel London's CEO Kevin Murphy.

Murphy stepped down from the role after three successful years of running the industry association.

The new chairman said: "The AEV has been involved in some great work over the past few years. I am pleased to have the opportunity to take over the reigns from Kevin, to continue to develop the role of the AEV and to work with the other associations in the industry."