Diversified Communications has today announced the appointment of Esha Elawadhi as event director of the London Design Fair. Ms Elawadhi was, until recently, project director of the leading design events in the United Arab Emirates, including INDEX, Workspace, Surface Design and FIM.

It has also been announced that William Knight will join the fair as Creative Consultant. Knight is recognised as one of the most influential people in the design promotion sector and has led many of the UK’s largest and most successful design events and exhibitions. Previously the director of both 100% Design and Clerkenwell Design Week, he was also deputy director of the London Design Festival, playing a central role in establishing what is now one of the world’s most important annual creative events.

The appointments have been made following the departure of Jimmy MacDonald, who has decided to leave the business after selling London Design Fair to Diversified Communications 18 months ago.

Carsten Holm, managing director of Diversified Communications, applauded Jimmy for his vision and leadership of the event: “Jimmy has created a truly unique design event. The London Design Fair has become one of the most important design destinations of the year, and the place to find new, exciting designers and trends from around the world.

“We will miss Jimmy but with these new appointments and a solid, experienced team behind the show, we are in a strong position to build on the event’s exceptional reputation, and we look forward to working with the design community to take the event to the next level.”

Jimmy MacDonald, founder of the London Design Fair, says: “14 years ago, I set out to create an event to provide a platform for the local and international design community. It has been my privilege to do just that with the support of many great team members and exhibitors. I am convinced that Diversified Communications will continue to invest in and develop the fair with an enthusiastic new team.”

The four-day London Design Fair, which runs annually each September at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, is a key component of The London Design Festival, and is an established showcase of world-leading designers, brands and projects from across the UK and internationally. Attracting 29,000 visitors last year, and 550 exhibitors from 40 countries, it has become the must-attend event for anyone wanting to understand the latest trends, spot innovative new design products and to be inspired to create the most imaginative spaces.

For 2020, the event returns to the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London, on 17th – 20th September. For more information, please visit www.londondesignfair.co.uk  or https://twitter.com/ldndesignfair