Closier takes charge of national arena project

May 9 2008

Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre chief executive Mike Closier has been put in full time charge of the development of the new £71 million national arena project to make sure it is ready in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2014, it was announced this week.

As a result of the move SECC finance director John Sharkey, 42, has been promoted to chief executive assuming full responsibility for the entire business operation of the SECC group.

Closier, 61, who has been group chief executive of SECC since 1992, has been appointed executive deputy chairman of the company which is 91 per cent owned by Glasgow city council with the remainder of the equity mainly owned by banks.

Chairman Ian Grant said Closier's successful track record in delivering major projects, particularly the Clyde Auditorium, demonstrated that there could be no better candidate to direct the Arena project.

"Likewise, John's experience and business acumen make him the ideal choice as group chief executive."