Powell founded events logistics company Ceva Showfreight in 1993. He will join Melville in February next year and will be responsible for driving the company's international freight business.
Matthew Williams, director of logistics, will continue to head up Melville’s logistics business in the UK and will report to Powell.
Powell says he was inspired to join the exhibitions industry after witnessing the opening of the NEC in 1976. He worked in event logistics for nearly two decades before establishing Ceva Showfreight.
Nick Marshall, chief executive of Melville, said: "This really is a perfect fit between Phil and Melville. For Phil it is the perfect time in his career and for Melville GES, it's perfect time to accelerate the growth of our logistics business."
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