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Andrew Evans, managing director of organiser Fresh RM for more than four years, has been appointed chief operating officer at Brand Events. Evans will assume the role at the Earls Court-based organiser at the end of January.

He said: “I’ve spent 22 years on what Brand Events regard as the dark side, B2B events, and I’m now moving into the consumer field. The role is very much based on the operational side. The day-to-day running of the company will be my responsibility, which will then release Chris to do what he does best in exploring launches, acquisitions and cloning of shows here and abroad.”

Evans’ announcement follows the appointment of a finance director at the firm. Tosh Bruce-Morgan joined Brand Events from VNU.

Evans added: “It’s not just about one appointment. It’s about a management team with considerable experience taking the company to the next chapter.”

Amid its continued expansion plans, Brand Events has launched the Real Food Festival. The four-day event, which focuses on issues of food standards including provenance and sustainability, is due to take place at Earls Court from 24-27 April 2008.

The trade and consumer event is based on the principles of Slow Food, a movement begun in 1986 by people concerned about retaining a diverse heritage of regional food and drink while also protecting the environment.

A selection committee chaired by Lyndon Gee, director of Slow Food UK, will select producers to ensure a high degree of integrity and quality for the event. The Real Food Festival will launch with a gala evening on 24 April.