The 71-year-old, who founded the company with Basil Biggs, led the management buyout of the exhibitions division from Melville Group in 1994. It was then sold to Visual Action Holdings in 1997. Priestley continued to work with the business as deputy chairman until 2007 when he retired.
In 2010, he was awarded The Excellence Award at the Association of Event Organisers’ Excellence Awards.
Nick Marshall, executive chairman, EMEA, at Global Experience Specialists, said: "Ken was a remarkable leader and one of the few people who can truly be described as a legend in his own lifetime.
"He was astute, funny and really cared for his employees. He and Basil were a unique team whom clients respected and trusted. He was an inspiration to many of us and will be sadly missed."
UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming response to the news of Priestley's death, the family would like to ask, with respect, that it be just family who attend the hall after the funeral due to limited space available.
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