Carina’s passionate about the business events industry and the positive impact it can have on communities and businesses. She’s a strong advocate for sustainability, inclusion and leadership development, and is committed to supporting and mentoring emerging talent. Under her leadership, IMEX has been recognized as one of the UK's Best Places to Work by The Sunday Times, reflecting her focus on building a people-first, high-performing culture.

Throughout her career, Carina has been an active member of the meetings industry. She’s Past Chair of the AEO Council (2021-2023) and the EIA (2021-2022), and Past President of the SITE Foundation (2020). She previously served on the Board of the MPI UK Chapter and on global committees for MPI and PCMA.

Carina’s the proud recipient of several industry awards including AEO’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award (2024) and EIC’s Hall of Leaders (2023).

Appointed CEO of IMEX Group in 2009 following the expansion of IMEX into America, Carina has been part of the IMEX team since the very beginning, joining in 2002 as marketing and operations director with the original launch team.

Beyond her role at IMEX, she’s a non-executive director of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. She previously chaired the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation which uses football to support health, education and opportunity across the community.

Carina also leads the Brighton & Hove Homelessness Fund, co-founded by IMEX, bringing together local businesses to support organizations working to prevent homelessness and help people rebuild their lives over the long term. 

Outside of work, Carina enjoys spending time with her family (she’s a mother of two boys) and traveling for work and pleasure. She’s an adventure sports enthusiast with a particular love for climbing and skiing.

Industry/media award highlights

• Businesswoman of the Year at the Dynamic Awards for South East England 2025

• Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, AEO, 2024

• Inducted into the EIC (Events Industry Council) Hall of Leaders – 2023

• Richard Ross Past Presidents’ Award, For Outstanding Service to the Incentive Travel Industry, April 2022

• Chair AEO Council, 2020/2021

• Chair EIA, 2020/2021

• Past President, SITE Foundation, 2020

• Winner, PCMA Wayfinder Award, 2021

• Mentor 2019/2020 for Fast Forward 15, the mentoring scheme for women in hospitality and events

• Winner of Smart Women in Meetings Award 2018 and 2019

• One of the 25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry - Northstar Meetings Group, 2018

• Winner of the Spirit of Collaboration Award, Timothy S Y Lam, Spirit of Hospitality Awards, 2018

• Winner, Inspirational Women Awards, ICCA 2018