Hackett has 36 years of event management experience.
He founded The Travel Organisation in 1980, which rebranded as The Marketing Organisation in 1987. In 2001 it was sold to BI, at which Hackett was chairman until 2005 and subsequently chairman of BI Worldwide.
He left in 2011 to start a new venture, which helped Smart Hospitality win the catering contract for the Olympic Hospitality Centre.
David Evans, founder and executive chairman of Grass Roots, said: "David Hackett and I have known one another for more than two decades. He has a distinguished history in the space, is a clear thinker and an experienced chairman. I enjoy his companionship and it is widely known that he treats the industry with respect and dignity."
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