Published by Neil Thompson, 7th November 2025
Safraj Ismail has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of world-renowned conference, events and exhibition venue The QEII Centre.
Commencing her role on the 27th of October, Safraj (Saf) joins The QEII Centre from the Gambling Commission. As an accomplished senior leader, her most recent role was as Programme Director overseeing the National Lottery Competition. Saf also has extensive experience leading internal and digital communications teams, with a consumer focus.
Saf joins the leading Westminster-based venue as it announces one of its strongest years on record, with an economic impact of over £170 million and several confirmed multi-year bookings up to 2029.
Saf comments: “I am delighted to be joining the QEII Centre at a time of investment and growth. More importantly, I am delighted to be joining an award-winning team of event professionals. I look forward to exploring new opportunities, strengthening what already works well, and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value and outstanding service to our clients and stakeholders that the QEII is renowned for.”
“We are delighted to welcome Saf to The QEII Centre. Saf is people oriented, able to skilfully nurture collaboration across different departments and brings proven experience of major project delivery and customer focused services.”
Andy Hobart, Chair and Senior Sponsor, QEII Conference Centre Trading Fund
