Convene has announced two senior hires in the UK with Daryl Jones joining as VP of UK operations and Jane Hague as director of UK sales.

Following the appointment of Niamh Martin as UK managing director in February, these new hires mark the completion of the regional leadership team, developed to focus on streamlining operational and sales processes across 13 UK locations, as well as continued growth opportunities.

Convene manages a network of more than 35 premium meeting, event, and flexible office locations in the UK and US across its portfolio of brands including etc.venues, which it acquired last year.

Prior to joining Convene, Jones was Regional Operations Director at Soul Foods Group, a franchisee of Starbucks, KFC, and Taco Bell, where he oversaw a portfolio of 30 locations, and spent 10 years in operational management at Côte Brasserie, a hospitality-driven restaurant group inspired by the bistros of Paris. In his new role, he will oversee site operations for 13 Convene and etc.venues locations across London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Jane Hague is an accomplished sales and business development professional with over 20 years of experience specialising in the meetings and events industry. As Director of UK Sales at Convene, she will oversee a team of 32 event sales professionals in London, Manchester, and Birmingham responsible for selling across the Convene portfolio of brands, including etc.venues.

Prior to joining Convene, Hague was head of business development at ExCeL London, an international exhibition and convention centre, where she was responsible for attracting top global brands to host events in London. During her 12-year tenure with the organisation, she spearheaded various revenue-driving initiatives such as forging new business partnerships, developing new market opportunities, contributing to product development, and overseeing the creation and renovation of event spaces.

“Since joining Convene earlier this year, I have been focused on building the structure, systems, and processes that will set our portfolio of brands up for long-term success in the UK – bringing on a VP of operations and a director of sales is a key part of supporting our growing organisation,” said Martin.

“Daryl is a seasoned operations professional with a focus on hospitality and Jane is one of the most well-respected event professionals in all of London; we are delighted to welcome them to Team Convene and know their storied expertise will bring our organisation to new heights.”