Board chairperson, Deon Cloete, confirmed her significant legacy and said: "On behalf of the board I wish to thank Julie-May for her valuable contributions to the CTICC over the last 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."
Former chair of the CTICC board, Andrew Boraine, added his appreciation of her contribution: "Julie-May embarked on the construction of the CTICC 2 and 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 Ellingson’s appointment and her robust and driven engagements will be sorely missed."
Ellingson joined the CTICC in September 2014 and has been instrumental in steering the CTICC through an exciting 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.
Highlights during Ellingson’s tenure included:
• 62% growth in revenue
• 69% growth in EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation)
• Significant increase in procurement from B-BBEE companies to an average of 89% over the past five years, equating to a cumulative spend of almost R2bn over the period.
• Procurement from women-owned enterprises also more than doubled during Julie-May’s tenure and sits at 40% of total procurement
• Number of female promotions and women in management positions also increased substantially
• Customer service score improved from 78% to an average of 85%
• Consecutive clean audits were received from the Auditor General for all financial years under Julie-May’s tenure
• Investment in corporate social initiatives more than tripled, with almost R7m being invested in a range of community initiatives
• In conjunction with the CTICC’s GM: Commercial and Business Development, Robert Hatton-Jones, 89 prestigious international conference forward bookings have been secured up until 2026.
"I have absolutely loved my 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," said Ellingson.
In an indication of what comes next, she said: "My husband and I will be taking a few months off to travel before relocating overseas. It is time for me to take on a new challenge and, who knows, maybe even do that doctorate!"
