The board of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), staff, colleagues and industry stakeholders bid farewell to Julie-May Ellingson, who stepped down from her position as chief executive officer (CEO) of the CTICC at the end of January.
Board chairperson, Deon Cloete, wished her well and thanked her for her contributions to the CTICC over the past five years.
“With Julie-May at the helm, the CTICC has built a strong reputation for excellence and good governance. In doing so, she has attracted a number of industry awards that positioned the CTICC as one of the top convention centres, locally and abroad.
“Julie-May will always be able to look back at the CTICC development being a fundamental part of her legacy. We are grateful to Julie-May for agreeing to stay on until the end of January in order to facilitate a smooth transition to the new CEO, Taubie Motlhabane. We wish Julie-May and her family all the best for the future.”
Former chair of the CTICC board, Andrew Boraine, said Ms Ellingson embarked on the construction of the CTICC 2 and the skybridge with a tenacity and work ethic that is unparalleled. “She not only successfully completed the expansion but achieved record revenues and operating profits while leading with grace, humility and integrity. These traits were integral to the many successes at the CTICC since Ms Ellingson’s appointment and her robust and driven engagements will be sorely missed.”
Ms Ellingson joined the CTICC in September 2014 and has been instrumental in steering the CTICC through a significant growth phase, which saw the completion of the R1bn CTICC 2 expansion project, as well as the achievement of record revenues in an increasingly tough economic environment (“Newly constructed CTICC 2 unveiled”, CapeTowner, February 1, 2018).
Tracy Mkhize, the general manager of food, beverage and operations, said she was honoured to have worked under Ms Elligson’s leadership.
“She leads by example and continuously challenges us to improve, grow and strive to be the best. Her thoroughness and attention to detail inspires me, and I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have gained working with her.”
Ms Ellingson said she had loved her time at the CTICC.
“It has been a real privilege to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated CTICC team and board. Together we have done great things and I know that they will continue to make a meaningful contribution to our economy; deliver exceptional events for our clients; and, more importantly, support our communities through job creation and volunteerism.
“I leave with a heavy heart and will sorely miss the entire #IAMCTICC team. I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work, camaraderie and willingness to give some of my more novel ideas a chance. In addition to the CTICC team, I will miss the many friends and colleagues I have made in the industry whom I am very proud to have worked alongside.”
Ms Ellingson said she and her husband will take a few months off to travel before relocating overseas.
The newly appointed CEO, Taubie Motlhabane has now taken on her duties. Ms Motlhabane holds a Master’s degree in global marketing as well as a Bachelor’s degree in communications, alongside over 29 years experience in both the private and public business sphere. Some of her previous roles included executive director of Tshwane Convention & Visitor Bureau and business tourism manager for South African Tourism (“New CEO at city’s convention centre,” CapeTowner, January 9).