Des McEwan is Chief Finance Officer at dmg events. dmg events has a substantial international footprint, particularly across the Middle East, with a significant London team where Des is based. dmg is a long‑standing and proud member of the AEO, actively supporting the growth and global profile of the UK events industry.

Des qualified as an accountant with Deloitte and worked in audit and corporate finance before he joined the events sector in 2012 with FTSE‑listed ITE Group, which focused primarily on emerging markets alongside a UK fashion portfolio. He loved the energy of the industry - global and people‑driven, where diverse teams work together to deliver great experiences for participants. During his time at ITE, Des was closely involved in acquisitions, integrations and the group’s transformation into Hyve, including the acquisition of Ascential’s Exhibitions business.

Between 2019 and 2025, Des worked at Encore, a Blackstone‑owned event services business, gaining deeper insight into the wider events ecosystem and the critical role of suppliers and venues in delivering world‑class events.

Des is passionate about the meritocratic nature of the events industry, which enables people from all backgrounds to build successful and rewarding careers. He strongly believes in the role of industry bodies, and the AEO in particular, in nurturing talent, encouraging life-long collaborative learning and supporting the continued development and international success of the UK events industry.