With over 30 years in the hospitality and tourism sector, including a decade as sales and marketing director at the EICC, Ms Wrathall has been instrumental in shaping the venue’s growth and success over the past 10 years.

Ms Wrathall is already widely recognised as an industry leader and was awarded Women in Tourism (WIT) top 100 in 2022 and 2024, as well as Tourism Individual of the Year in the 2024 Central & East Scotland Scottish Thistle Awards. 

Welcoming the appointment, Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, chair of the EICC board, said: “I am delighted to announce Amanda Wrathall’s appointment as our new EICC Chief Executive.

“As EICC Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead, transform and inspire teams and succeed in partnership working.

“Ms Wrathall’s lead role in the EICC’s successful temporary guardianship of the Edinburgh Convention Bureau is a great example. Her high standing in local and national hospitality and tourism industry and government networks is another.”

Cllr Cameron continued: “Since the EICC first opened in 1995, the international conference and events landscape has become more competitive, fast changing and challenging.   

“Today, EICC’s priorities include being equipped to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive market; exploring new opportunities for innovation and benefits arising from the Edinburgh Tourism Visitor Levy coming into effect; and responding to anticipated outcomes of the Council’s review of its Arms-Length Companies, due to conclude this year. 

“With Amanda as our new CEO, the EICC board is looking forward with confidence to embracing a new and exciting era for the EICC, defined by mutually respectful and collaborative ways of working designed to sustain, secure and strengthen EICC’s reputation as a global conference and events destination of excellence.”

Owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, the EICC has hosted over 4,500 events since 1995, welcoming over 2.2 million delegates and bringing in an economic impact worth £930 million to the local economy. The venue has played host to the likes of Barack Obama, George Clooney and Malala Yousafzai while acting as vaccination centre during Covid, count venue for Scottish and General Elections and a Fringe venue every August.

Ms Wrathall said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of CEO at this important moment in the EICC’s journey. Building on a strong legacy, my focus is to lead the organisation into its next phase, delivering ideas with impact and performance with purpose, while creating lasting value for our clients, our people, our city, and our shareholder.

“I’d like to thank the board for their trust and support and acknowledge the exceptional team whose commitment underpins our success. I look forward to shaping a bold, inclusive, and sustainable future together.”

Council leader, cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Now in its 30th year, the EICC plays a significant and ever-increasing role in Edinburgh’s success and global reputation as a visitor destination.

“With the Council’s ongoing support, it generates hundreds of millions of pounds for the local economy, creating and sustaining hundreds of jobs for Edinburgh residents and attracting delegates from across the world.

“Amanda has already made a huge contribution to the EICC’s success, and her track record speaks for itself. I wish her the very best of luck in her new role and look forward to working closely with her and her team.”