CWT global head of meetings and events Ian Cummings has today announced his departure from the TMC after a tenure of close to 12 years in order to pursue new opportunities.
Cummings joined the company’s M&E division in 2012 as managing director for the UK and Ireland before being promoted to EMEA vice president in 2016, global VP commercial in 2020 and then, in 2021, as global head.
In the wake of the pandemic Cummings said he helped steer the company back "to a highly successful 2022 and 2023", which he described as a challenging period but one he considers as among his defining moments at CWT.
“All great journeys come to an end at some point,” Cummings said in an email to BTN Europe.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together as a team, the customers we have won, delighted and retained, the events we delivered, the numerous industry awards we achieved across the globe, the partnerships and bonds we formed and how we collectively put CWT M&E on the map as one of the leading, truly global industry players,” he said.
“I am also extremely proud of how many of the team have become thought leaders and key contributors across the globe in areas such as strategic meetings management, sustainability, incentive travel and managing complex events as well as being members of key industry associations,” he added.
Cummings’ departure follows the planned acquisition of CWT by major rival American Express Global Business Travel in a landmark $570 million deal that is expected to close in the latter half of the year.
Cummings said he remains committed to a number of industry bodies and events and plans to enjoy “a little summer downtime” with his family before making his next move.