Meet the team...
Recent successes include not only founding ‘Exceed Corporate Events’ as well as its inclusion as a preferred supplier within ‘SAP Business Network’, but most importantly, Exceed’s wonderful team of knowledgeable, clever, witty, hard-working professionals carrying and growing our reputation by continuing to deliver extraordinary corporate events.
Exceeding our clients’ expectations, time and time again, starting with our first high calibre event, SAP’s Partner Executive Council in 2005 and continuing to many other to this day, was and is only possible by recognising that each Exceed’s member, partner, collaborator and supplier brings their own area of expertise and share the same ethics, therefore thank you all for your contribution and for being part of Exceed’s journey.
Meet Ioana Black
Founder and CEO of Exceed Corporate Events
My journey, began by being born and raised in Romania during the communist era, where everyday life was very tough indeed. Growing up with two hours of electricity per day, no heating during winter, being constantly under the watch of Communist Security Services, survival and resilience were not only skills, but the only option 😉
I look back however, with an immense and endless gratitude to all: my family, parents, grandparents, teachers, professors, friends that have nurtured, educated and guided me with overwhelming love, care, strong moral values and work ethics, all in a very challenging environment, resulting in the person that I am today.
After graduating Law University, whilst working for a daily newspaper as a reporter and computer design manager to support my university studies, my short Law career was abruptly interrupted by the lack of transparency, professional growth opportunities, combined with a very corrupt and money driven system at the time.
My ever-curious nature and desire to continue learning and developing, strongly believing that this magnificent world must offer better opportunities.
I was lucky to be recruited, employed and trained as a Shore Excursion Manager by Carnival Cruise Line in the United States. I spent six amazing years contracting tour operators and coordinating shore excursions, as well as fully exploring and experience incredible destinations such as Alaska, Canada, West and East Coast of America, Mexico, Caribbean Islands and South America. It was a truly wonderful and memorable experience, enabling me to proficiently manage large scale tour operations and project management.
United Kingdom is my adopting country and currently home since 2005. Again, I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity, during my 14 years under Destin8’s umbrella, to continue providing strategic and operational leadership in corporate event management to large global organisations. Founding Exceed Corporate Events in 2020 is my pride and joy, therefore my journey, I should hope, continues…
Please allow me to introduce the amazing leaders of Exceed’s Team:
Meet Ioana Black
CEO & Founder
Ioana Black
CEO & Founder
Clare Jackson-Halls
Managing Director
A highly experienced Project Director with over 16 years working within the events industry. I am passionate about supporting and working with clients to develop and achieve their goals for each event.
I am skilled in full events management with meticulous planning, and administration skills. Over the years, I have gained a broad range of knowledge from conferences to travel incentives, from exhibitions to meetings.
Through my job I have been lucky enough to work in the UK and Overseas, going hand in hand with my love of travel.
Nicola Miles
Project Director
I am a highly motivated and experienced Project Director with over 10 years of experience in the Event Industry. I love travelling and making events come to life in different locations around the world, bringing people together is a passion of mine! I have excellent communication skills and have a very proactive approach to finding solutions wherever needed.
I also love spending time with my family and have two young boys, a husband and a dog who manage to keep me very busy when not working!
Mike Ellis
Financial Director
Alexandra Juca
Project Executive
Teodora Marshall
Copywriting and
Creative Writing Director
Jack Stafford
Creative Director
Jack Stafford is a creative director with over three decades of design experience.
Throughout his career, Jack has worked on projects ranging from corporate identity and branding to interactive websites and print. With an eye for detail, he has the ability to quickly and efficiently create captivating designs that are both innovative and timeless.
Jack is truly a master of his craft, and is dedicated to helping clients bring their ideas to life.
Matt Comley
IT Director
