Steve Moster Named President and CEO of GES’ Parent Company Viad

December 4, 2014

Steve Moster, president of Global Experience Specialists, also has been named president and CEO of its parent company, Viad, effective immediately.

In addition, Moster has become a member of the board and replaces Paul Dykstra, who resigned as chairman, president and CEO of Viad.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Viad at this important time,” Moster said.

He added, “Viad has a long history of innovation and customer service, and all Viad companies share a common goal – to create high-quality memorable experiences. I’m also happy to continue executing GES’ vision of serving our clients’ most critical event needs, no matter where they are in the world.”

This year has been a busy one for the company, with several acquisitions, including housing companies Travel Planners and OnPeak, as well as Blitz Communications and most recently N200, a data capture and registration company.

“We added a complete AV offering this year and have acquired four companies in the last three months,” Moster said. “We’re listening to our clients and investing in our business with great success.”

Moster added that at this time, there won't be any other management changes at the company. "I think with the help of the executive team, we'll keep the ball rolling," he added. 

Moster also said one of the key strategic goals for Viad moving forward into next year was to create more integration between the two divisions - GES and the Travel and Recreation Group. 

"When we've (worked on) these together, we've created amazing experiences," he added. 

Moster joined GES in 2004 and served in roles of increasing responsibility across the business, including executive vice president chief sales and marketing officer.

He became president of GES in November 2010. Prior to joining GES, he was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company where he worked with a broad set of clients to create and implement growth strategies.

Moster received his bachelor of engineering from Vanderbilt University and his master of business administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

He also serves on the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Board of Directors.

“Steve’s proven track record and deep understanding of Viad’s operations make him the ideal executive to accelerate our strategic growth initiatives across our businesses,” said Viad Chairman Rich Dozer.

He added, “Under Steve’s direction, GES is being transformed, creating opportunities to expand the business. On behalf of the Board, we look forward to Steve’s leadership as we continue to execute against our strategic growth initiatives to better serve our clients around the world.”

GES is coming off a positive third quarter, with revenues up 39 percent to $168 million, compared with the same quarter last year. Viad also had an overall revenue uptick of 36 percent to nearly $300 million. 

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