Senthil Gopinath has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held a wide range of positions, including CEO of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and Vice President of Kuoni.
In 2006 Senthil moved to Dubai to work for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) arm of Emirates Group. He was responsible for wide-ranging business development, sales and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE, including World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum.
In 2016, Senthil was made ICCA Regional Director Middle East. ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association – is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. Comprising over 1150 member companies and organisations in over 100 countries worldwide, ICCA offers unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities.
In 2019, Senthil relocated to Amsterdam (ICCA HQ) when he took up the position of ICCA CEO. Senthil’s belief in using clear strategy, creativity, and maintaining a positive outlook saw him guide the ICCA community through the challenges of the global pandemic. He now looks forward to heading ICCA’s ongoing mission to be the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.
Academically, Senthil holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration. He also holds a Doctorate in Sustainable Tourism and Urbanisation.
Professionally, Senthil is renowned internationally for his leadership, passion and commitment to the global events and meetings industry. He is also a past winner of Global Business Events Strategist of the year awarded by PCMA – USA.
