Davies joins from Informa PLC where she served as President of Money20/20, helping establish the fintech brand a global B2B events businesses. Prior to this, she held senior leadership positions at Ascential, including responsibility for brands such as Retail Week.

William Reed says she will join its executive team and play a role in accelerating the company’s Food For Growth strategy, supporting the next phase of growth across its portfolio of trusted brands, events, intelligence products and global communities. William Reed’s strategy is centred on strengthening its position as a leading intelligence business serving the food and drinks sector through deeper integration of content, events and intelligence.

Tracy De Groose, CEO of William Reed, said: “Tracey is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of growing brands, developing talent and creating value for customers. Her experience, ambition and leadership style make her an outstanding addition to William Reed as we continue to build on our position at the heart of the global food and drinks sector.”

Tracey Davies said: “William Reed has a unique combination of heritage, expertise and ambition. From my earliest conversations with the team, I was struck by the talent, energy and passion of the people across the business. I’m excited to join such a talented organisation, build on its strong foundations and help shape the next phase of growth.”

Tracey’s appointment follows the appointments earlier this year of Richard Sexton as Chief Operating Officer, Lucinda Pullinger as Chief People Officer, and Laura Hagan and John Gittins as Non-executive Directors, reflecting William Reed’s continued investment in leadership.