Joining from Media 10, Lorne brings with him a wealth of commercial and events expertise to the role, as RHASS look to develop their core assets for the future.
Lorne will oversee the strategic commercial direction of RHASS and its 280-acre site at Ingliston. In addition to this, Lorne will look to drive forward the growth of the Royal Highland Centre, building on the success of the 220 events which run annually.
Reporting to RHASS Chief Executive, Alan Laidlaw, he has been tasked with maximising the commercial opportunities of the 280-acre site adjacent to Edinburgh Airport as well as attracting new events to the Edinburgh venue.
With a proven track record in sales and marketing, Lorne spearheaded the strategic direction at Media 10, having successfully relocated their Sales Operation from London to Glasgow. He was a key member of the management team and worked on some of the most iconic and successful events in the UK, including Grand Designs Live and The Ideal Home Show.
Prior to this, he was Head of Sales at BiP Solutions Ltd, a global market leader in the provision of cutting edge solutions and services, that help facilitate business between the public and private sector.
Commenting on the new appointment, Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive said: “Lorne brings valuable know-how to both RHASS and the Royal Highland Centre and will be an asset to the management team. His knowledge of business development strategies and brand management will be invaluable as we look to build on the Royal Highland Centre’s already well-established reputation as one of Scotland’s premier event spaces.”
He continued: “Lorne will be integral to growing the Royal Highland Centre’s reputation as well as realising its full commercial goals, which, in turn, enables RHASS to carry out its charitable remit.”
Lorne commented: “I very much look forward to developing the Royal Highland Centre’s event business and expanding on RHASS’s commercial opportunities across the 280-acre site here at Ingliston.”
“The Royal Highland Centre is Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor facility, with over 18,000m² covered exhibition space, a substantial outdoor area including 110-acres of parkland, main arena, track area, countryside area and parking for 20,000 vehicles. I am very excited to open up these incredible facilities to new markets and events,” he concluded.