Global exhibition and publishing company dmg world media, today (10 July 2007) announced the sudden departure of Brenda Daly, executive vice president, Consumer UK, following days of speculation.

EVENTS:review contacted Daly about the rumours late last week only to be told via email: “As you can see I'm still at dmg, so no comment.” Today, however, the rumours have proved true.

Daly has been with dmg for nine years, and with no reason for her departure forthcoming, many are likely to cite the reporting of false attendance figures to the Audit Bureau of Circulation by dmg trade show ad:tech late last year as a probable reason. Daly was close to the event and the storm that followed has cast doubts over the entire exhibition audit process.

No statement has yet been made over what Daly plans to do next, and the exhibition industry will surely wait with anticipation to find out the next move of this highly popular figure.

In an official statement from dmg, Daly commented: “After such a long time at dmg world media, it is with a genuinely heavy heart that I leave the company and the fantastic team in the UK, many of whom have worked directly with me for a number of years. But the time is right for me both professionally and personally to move on and I look forward with excitement as to what lies ahead."

Daly will also leave her position as chair of the Association of Exhibition Organisers board at the end of the month, because the person filling the role must be part of a company. She will be temporarily replaced by Brand Events' Chris Hughes.

Commenting on Daly’s departure, Michael Franks, chief operating officer of dmg world media, said: “After nine years, Brenda Daly has become a friend as well as a colleague to many of us in Harrow and around the dmg world. We are sorry to lose someone of Brenda’s talent and wish her well and the best of luck in her future endeavours.”

dmg world media plans to announce the new management structure in the near future. In the meantime, Daly’s management team will report directly to Franks.

In fact, sources close to dmg suggest that Franks may oversee the revival of the Home Interest division of the group, including the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show. It is also predicted that he will be majorly involved in the strategic business plans around the home interest sector above and beyond exhibitions, with online and broadcast product developments likely, such as www.primlocation.com