Scottish Event Campus strengthens leadership with two new executive director appointments

The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has announced two senior appointments to its leadership team, reinforcing its position as Scotland’s leading destination for conferences, exhibitions, and live entertainment.

Dawn Lauder, previously Head of Association Sales, has been appointed Director of Conference Sales, succeeding Kathleen Warden, who is stepping down after 25 years at the SEC. Dawn joined the organisation in 2009 and has held roles including Head of International Sales and Head of Association Sales. She played a key role in securing landmark conferences such as COP26, cementing Glasgow’s global reputation as a hub for high-profile international events.

Andrew Healy has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, joining from his role as Financial Director at DM Hall following an extensive recruitment process. He brings over three decades of financial leadership, having developed and delivered multi-year financial and business strategies across property, legal, sport, and the arts. 

Previously, as Finance Director at Scottish Rugby, he transformed the organisation’s financial infrastructure and supported major capital investment programmes. He has also held senior roles at the Law Society of Scotland and served as a non-executive director and trustee of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh.

Commenting on the appointments, SEC Chief Executive Dominic McKay said: “Dawn’s expertise and experience in the global conference sector make her the perfect leader to drive the next phase of growth for our conference business. Andrew brings a wealth of financial and strategic experience across multiple sectors, which will be invaluable as we continue to invest in the future of the campus and deliver on our long-term ambitions. Kathleen has had an incredible history with the SEC and it’s great that she can stay on and support our ambitions in a new advisory role. Her experience continues to be a huge asset to the business.”

Over the course of her 25-year career at the SEC, Kathleen has been instrumental in driving the growth of the conference business, securing landmark events such as COP26, the World Federation of Hemophilia Congress, and the EAACI Congress. She has championed innovation and sustainability across the sector, helping the SEC become the world’s first Healthy Venue and a founder of the Net Zero Carbon Events movement.

Reflecting on her tenure, Kathleen said: “Every day has been a privilege and an honour. I’ve made enduring friendships here in Glasgow and around the world, and I’m delighted to continue supporting the SEC in my new advisory role as the campus enters its next chapter.”

Dawn added: “As a strong advocate for business events and having worked in the industry for 17 years, I’m delighted to be stepping into this role at such an exciting time for the SEC. I’m looking forward to working with our incredible sales team to continue securing world-class conferences for the SEC, Glasgow, and Scotland.”

Andrew said: “I am delighted to be joining the SEC and am very much looking forward to working with all the teams, the Board and wider stakeholders – both internal and external – at these iconic international venues. As plans to enhance activities on the Campus are developed and brought to life, it is a great time to be coming into this fantastic business and I am very excited to be starting later in the year.”

The appointments come after a record year for the SEC in 2025, with 52 conferences, 55 exhibitions, and 269 live performances, welcoming more than 2.3 million visitors across its three venues: the SEC Centre, SEC Armadillo, and OVO Hydro. These events continue to generate significant economic, social, and knowledge-exchange benefits for Glasgow and Scotland, further cementing the SEC’s reputation as a world-class destination.