September 4 2025 16:45
SOUTH AFRICA
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment, and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa, the group said this week. “This name change reflects the consolidation of Montgomery Group’s regional divisions across Africa under one unified management structure, creating a more agile, efficient, and future-focused organisation,” it said.
The transition would mark a significant step forward in building a stronger, more connected presence across all regions in Africa, Montgomery Group said.
“This transition is more than a name change, it’s a reflection of where we’re headed. By bringing our teams together under one identity, we’re building the clarity, strength and agility needed to grow with purpose across all regions,” said Gary Corin, who continues as Managing Director following the transition to Montgomery Group Africa.
Gary Corin, MD Montgomery Group Africa
“By simplifying structures and aligning leadership under one cohesive vision, Montgomery Group Africa will enhance collaboration, improve resource allocation, and enable faster decision-making. This transformation will not only strengthen support for regional teams but also unlock greater opportunities for innovation, consistency, and long-term growth across all markets,” he said.
“This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution, building a stronger foundation to better serve clients, empower teams, and deliver lasting impact in the communities we operate in,” he said.
Celebrating 130 years in 2025, Montgomery Group is the UK’s longest-running independent events organiser. A fifth-generation family-owned business, its portfolio includes over 50 events and co-locates across 15 countries. The global team is made up of more than 150 events professionals.
“Montgomery Group has proudly organised events across Africa since launching Specialised Exhibitions in South Africa in 1968,” said Damion Angus, Group Managing Director and Chairman of Montgomery Group.
“Since then, the Montgomery presence has expanded to include events in Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Libya and Zimbabwe, alongside our well-established portfolio of trade exhibitions throughout South Africa,” he said.
The move will see Propak Africa, Propak Cape, Propak West Africa and Propak East Africa leading as the largest packaging, plastics, print, food processing and labelling exhibitions across Africa. East Africa’s principal event for the security, fire and safety industry: Securexpo and its co-locates will complement a growing portfolio including Securex Expo, A-OSH Expo, Facilities Management Expo and Fire Expo, hosted annually in Johannesburg, and launching for the first time in Cape Town in October this year.
Corin, Managing Director for South Africa, has additionally taken on the role of Managing Director for West Africa events. Angela Kinyua will be Managing Director of the East African events. Both are operating within the unified Montgomery Group Africa structure.
“Our locally based marketing team are leading the rollout of the Montgomery Group Africa brand across the African region,” said Corin. “This includes overseeing all marketing communications and collateral development. They are working closely with our East and West African marketing teams, drawing on their valuable regional insight and experience to ensure a consistent and impactful brand presence across all markets.” he said.
The changes will not affect day-to-day operations. The registered business entities in each region, including South, East, and West Africa, will remain unchanged, and all current invoicing and banking details will continue as usual.
The name change has taken effect from September 1 2025.
Website address: www.montgomerygroup.com/africa
