VP Sales, Fashion Events

Informa Markets , a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries to trade, innovate and grow. We organise over 450 large-scale branded and transaction-led events in over a dozen specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed live and on-demand B2B events where industries convene and people gather to do business. We also provide data and digital content, as well as year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven  Vice President, Sales  to lead strategic growth initiatives, drive market expansion, and achieve revenue targets across exhibitions, events & media. This role combines leadership in business development, account management, and sales strategy, with overall accountability for the business unit's revenue performance. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to build high-performing teams, foster strategic partnerships, and maintain deep industry relationships, while ensuring the delivery of the agreed sales and financial revenue plan. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Business Development Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with company objectives and long-term growth ambitions Identify and launch new market opportunities domestically and internationally to drive sustainable revenue growth Leverage customer insights and market intelligence to refine strategies targeting key demographics, verticals, and emerging segments Collaborate with Marketing to design and execute integrated campaigns for customer acquisition, retention, and engagement Revenue Accountability Take full ownership of revenue performance, ensuring delivery of the agreed sales and financial revenue plan Monitor and manage revenue streams to maximize profitability Prepare detailed revenue reports, forecasts, and performance analyses, providing actionable insights to senior leadership Identify revenue risks and opportunities early, implementing corrective actions to maintain trajectory Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and manage Heads of Sales, Sales Directors, Managers, and Representatives through transparent, data-driven leadership Foster a culture of open communication where wins are celebrated publicly and challenges are addressed directly with empathy and solutions-focused dialogue Conduct regular 1:1 meetings that combine performance data with coaching conversations, creating clarity on expectations and pathways to success Use metrics and insights to identify performance gaps early, working collaboratively with team members to develop actionable improvement plans Make decisive talent decisions including hiring, promotion, and performance management, always grounded in objective data and delivered with respect Recognize and reward excellence visibly, while addressing underperformance promptly through honest, constructive feedback supported by clear evidence Market Expansion & Relationship Building Build and maintain deep relationships with key stakeholders, industry partners, and C-level decision-makers Represent the company at industry events, partnership meetings, and networking opportunities Organize quarterly high-level meetings with key customers to understand evolving needs and create tailored solutions Stay ahead of industry trends and competitive dynamics to proactively adjust sales strategies Sales Operations & Performance Management Oversee sales pipeline management, budgets, forecasting accuracy, and CRM data integrity (Salesforce preferred) Develop and execute sales strategies across diverse product categories, market segments, and customer types Lead sales campaign execution, including targeting, pipeline development, deal closing, and performance reporting Define individual quotas, develop competitive compensation plans, and ensure accurate reporting of sales performance metrics Customer Focus & Account Growth Meet regularly with key customers to assess needs, strengthen relationships, and identify expansion opportunities Drive retention and growth through strategic cross-selling, upselling, and rebooking strategies Focus on acquiring large key accounts and expanding customer reach through proactive new business development Champion customer success by ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional service across all touchpoints Sales Culture & Internal Collaboration Build an effective sales culture across the business, fostering collaboration with other functions Maintain open communication with internal stakeholders to share customer insights and market dynamics Drive innovation in sales approaches, tools, and methodologies to maintain competitive advantage Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent professional experience 10+ years in events, media, or related industries leading high-performing sales teams with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets of 50M+ Expertise in building and scaling sales organizations across multiple product lines and markets Advanced proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and data-driven performance management Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams through transparent, empathetic, and results-oriented approaches Strong strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and ability to develop relationships at senior executive levels Demonstrated success in managing complex B2B sales cycles, key account growth, and cross-functional collaboration Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced, complex environments Lead with empathy, understanding diverse perspectives and motivations while maintaining high standards Create psychological safety where team members can be vulnerable about challenges while remaining accountable for results Manage and develop diverse teams, creating inclusive and positive team dynamics Navigate complex interperson