Meet the Executive Team

Jay Altizer | Global President

As GES’ Global President, Jay is responsible for North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Jay leads the team in providing a consistent experience for our global clients. . His extensive management experience, including operational excellence, business development and product innovation, is helping to transform the business for the future. Prior to GES, Jay worked in professional services and consumer packaged goods, leading teams at Dean Foods, PepsiCo, and Bain & Company.

Wendy Gibson | Chief Marketing Officer

Wendy is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with 25 years of experience leading marketing for fast-paced, high-growth companies. She’s passionate about global brand and marketing strategies and has an unwavering focus on voice of the customer. As Chief Marketing Officer of GES’ Global Marketing, Wendy manages strategy, branding, demand generation, corporate marketing, social and digital strategies.

Jeff Quade | Executive Vice President, Exhibitions

As leader of the exhibitions team, Jeff’s top priority is to deliver solutions that allow clients to successfully produce great shows. With more than 30 years of experience in the exhibition and event industry, he brings a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t and applies it to help his clients exceed their objectives.

Mike Lecour | EVP, Canada

If your show or event is in Canada, Mike leads the team who gets it done. In his more than 20 years with GES, he’s brought strong growth and new management strategies to our Canadian regional offices that assure a better event and show experience every time.

Michael Howe | EVP onPeak, a GES company  

Michael allows you to have more control over the total event experience by leading GES's Event Intelligence team and the event accommodations division. A native of New Zealand, Michael has worked and lived in many countries, giving him a wider appreciation of culture and people. Michael loves fast cars, a good Kiwi barbie and tight, well-managed hotel blocks.

Dan Hilbert | EVP GES Events

With more than 30 years’ experience in the event, agency and entertainment business, Dan has a deep understanding of true experiential marketing and what it takes to make clients successful. Having also worked on the client side managing brands for Fortune 50 companies, he knows the power of face-to-face activation as a strategic growth imperative within the entire marketing mix. As EVP of GES Events, Dan and his team bring brands to life by creating and producing some of the world’s most impactful and immersive brand experiences.

Steve Moster | President and Chief Executive Officer of Viad

Steve creates an environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork, allowing the executive teams to draw on their experience and provide new ideas for our clients. His strong vision creates a solid foundation for our team to find innovative ways to serve all our clients’ needs, no matter where they are in the world. All of which means you will have the service and insight you need for a better event, year after year.

Derek P. Linde | General Counsel and Secretary  

Derek manages Viad’s legal function and advises the organization on legal, strategic and compliance matters. He brings significant experience with mergers and acquisitions, securities and capital markets, corporate governance and SEC matters. Derek previously served as Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Secretary at Illinois Tool Works Inc., where he was Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, and he was previously a partner at Winston Strawn LLP.

Ellen Ingersoll | Chief Financial Officer

During Ellen’s tenure as Chief Financial Officer, she has been instrumental in transforming the company into a global, full-service provider to live events. Ellen is a certified public accountant.

Rick Britton | Chief Information Officer

Rick is a versatile executive with a record of innovation, collaboration, revenue growth and business productivity. He is an adept leader for global enterprise technology teams. His expertise includes aligning technology strategies with corporate goals, leading major initiatives through complex global enterprises, and driving excellence in day-to-day operations. 

Trisha Fox | Chief Human Resources Officer

Trisha is a seasoned leader with a strong background leading human resource at various Fortune 500 companies. Before joining GES, she led and supported teams at Fifth Third Bank Chicago, Dean Foods, PepsiCo and Shell Oil Company.