5 questions to Douglas Emslie - Easyfairs new shareholder and Board member

In April, Easyfairs announced that it welcomed Douglas Emslie as a new shareholder and member of the Board—joining as Chairman of Cuil Bay Capital.
Emslie’s investment follows the recent partnership between Easyfairs and private equity firms Cobepa and Inflexion.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Easyfairs’ history, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, expansion, and strategic acquisitions.
With his impressive track record in the exhibitions industry, Douglas brings valuable expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset to fuel Easyfairs next phase of growth.

We sat down with Douglas to learn more about his background, motivations, and vision for the future of Easyfairs.

You’ve had an impressive career in the events industry. Could you tell us a bit about your background and your career journey?

I was CEO of Tarsus Group, having joined the business when it launched in 1998, and led it until Informa acquired it in April 2023. Before that, I held senior positions at Blenheim Group plc and, following its acquisition, United Business Media plc.
Over the years, I’ve served as Chairman and Director of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Chairman of the Events Industry Alliance, and a board member of the US industry advocacy body, the Exhibition & Conference Alliance (ECA).
I was also the first international board member of SISO, the US industry trade body, where I eventually became Chair. Today, I chair Cuil Bay Capital, Raccoon Media Group, and Jacobs Media, and I’m also the Chair of the Trustees of the Green Hub Charity for Teens and the Cuil Bay Foundation.

What potential did you see in Easyfairs that made you want to be part of its next chapter?

I’ve long admired what Easyfairs has achieved over the past 25 years — a remarkable story of entrepreneurial vision, ambition, and consistent execution.
Eric Everard, Matthew Benyon, Anne Lafère, and the entire Easyfairs team have built a world-class business, now ranked among the top 20 global exhibition organisers, all while staying true to their entrepreneurial DNA. Easyfairs is a standout example of what’s possible when that spirit is nurtured at scale. I’m excited to work closely with the team and their private equity partners, Cobepa and Inflexion, as we support the next chapter of growth.

How do you see your background aligning with Easyfairs’ growth ambitions?

Having led Tarsus through various growth phases and a major acquisition,
I understand what it takes to scale a business in this industry. I bring strategic vision, a hands-on entrepreneurial approach, and deep sector knowledge. I also have a strong network in both Europe and the US, which can be particularly helpful as Easyfairs looks to expand its international presence. Supporting M&A activities, especially in the US, is one of the key areas where I believe I can add value.

What excites you most about this new role with Easyfairs?

Easyfairs is in a unique position: it combines the agility and culture of a startup with the reach and reputation of a global leader. I’m excited to help nurture that culture while scaling up operations, innovating in new formats, and exploring markets that are ripe for disruption. Being part of this journey, at such a pivotal moment, is both energising and inspiring.

What trends do you see shaping the future of the exhibitions industry?

Sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of digital tools are going to be increasingly important. But above all, the power of live events remains unmatched. As organisers, we must continue to innovate in how we deliver value, create experiences, and build communities. Easyfairs is already ahead of the curve in many of these areas, and I look forward to helping push those boundaries even further.

The new Board structure reflects equal representation from the three majority shareholders: Cobepa, Inflexion, and Eric Everard – each appointing two representative members: Eric Everard and Arnaud Laviolette (representing
Eric Everard’s interests); Aurélien Delavallée and Filip Vanderschueren (Cobepa);
Tom Green and William An (Inflexion). Douglas Emslie joins as an independent Board member, bringing strategic insight and extensive industry experience.
Eric Everard continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Eric Everard, Founder & Chairman of Easyfairs: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Douglas on board! Enriching our Board with his longstanding experience in the sector is a fantastic opportunity for Easyfairs. This new investment from Douglas, alongside our partnerships with Cobepa and Inflexion, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—accelerating growth, launching new events, and expanding into new markets.”