Young was previously deputy managing director to outgoing managing director Alison Jackson. For the past two years she has focused on strategies for Autumn Fair, and the greetings, home and kitchen sections at Spring Fair International. Before that she was responsible for trade fashion exhibition Pure.
"This has been an extraordinary year for retail, and going forward we will look to work closer with or customers to help maximise their business opportunities," said Young.
"With this in mind, we will continue to develop our exhibitions and online resources as essential all-year-round transactional and sourcing platforms."
Emap Connect chief executive Malcolm Gough added: "These are challenging times, but I feel fortunate that Louise has the talent and experience to take over the reins of this crucially important portfolio."