Ellis, currently director of operations at NBS, will officially begin on 21 January, after the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show taking place at Excel London from 7-16 January.
In addition to the role of managing director, he will remain responsible for many elements of his current operations role.
Ellis has been with the company for 23 years and is well known within the industry for his role within the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), having previously held a place within the Event 100 Club.
As part of the shift in roles, commercial director, Adrian Danson, will assume responsibility for the marketing and communications departments.
"This is a really exciting time for National Boat Shows and I am delighted to be able to recognise internal talent," said chief executive of parent company British Marine Federation (BMF) Rob Stevens.
"I am very confident of Murray and the team continuing the excellent plans that are already in place and delivering continued success for exhibitors and the industry as a whole."
Ellis added: "It is a challenging role but one that I am very excited to be undertaking. I am positive that, together with the team, we can continue to build on the current direction and success that is already in place for the Southampton and London shows."
Ellis will hold the position of acting managing director until the end of the financial year in June, with a view to making it a permanent post thereafter.
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