Board
Alice Russell
'Yo Dude'
Born in Cheshire, England. Now lives in Hampton Court Village, Surrey.
MSc in Management & BSc in Geography, both from the University of Bristol, graduating in 2009.
15 years in events, 7 with BOND.
Proven track record in revenue generation and strategic marketing through Marcus Evans Group and Haymarket Business Media, joining BOND in 2017 as Marketing Manager. Discovered BOND on her quest to find a smaller company in which to ‘contribute more meaningfully’ in an environment where ‘you can put your voice forward and have your voice heard’.
Previously Executive Vice President (EVP), Alice has been central to developing BOND’s strategic vision, helping it to reach new levels of acclaim and financial success. Alice’s guidance has already brought remarkable growth, with BOND now on track for its best performing year in terms of revenue and profit.
Proudest moment - Seeing BOND through the pandemic by creating our BONDX online platform and virtual event series.
Fun fact:
"I’m a total Yankophile. I watched nothing but American TV growing up (still the case!), so much so that I developed an American accent at one point… to my parents bemusement!"
Luciana Coates
‘Tsu, Ni, Mittsu…’
Half Brazilian / Quarter English / Quarter Irish.
Now lives in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey with husband Will and dog Beano (Staffordshire Bull Terrier).
BA Hons in Performing Arts and a Diploma in Direct and Digital Marketing, graduating in 2009.
15 years in events, 6 with BOND.
Wealth of experience in event operations from over 14 years across top-tier event companies, including CWC and Gartner, creating their fully-fledged event offering. Joined BOND in 2018 and was made Head of Operations, then SVP. Luciana's exceptional ability and instinct for business process improvements and creative problem-solving has consistently elevated the event experiences she manages. Promoted to COO in 2024, she is set to further enhance the company's reputation for delivering industry-leading event experiences at all touch points.
Proudest moment: Project managing a full house refurb
Fun fact:
"I can count to 10 in Japanese (see above)."
Rob Norton
‘Alright, bab?’
Born in The Midlands, UK, now lives in the Cotswolds with wife/best friend of 30+ years, daughter, mad Patterdale terrier, vomiting cat and occasional chickens.
MBA, with banking and stockbroking qualifications.
Background in advertising (Saatchi, Y&R & JWT) in the 1980s & media (print & digital) in the 90s & 00s.
Numerous board positions over 25+ years.
Started career in sales then product management/development & ultimately finance (first ever job was at a bank!!!).
23 years in events, 13 with BOND.
Proudest moment: A tie between holding my daughter for the first time & watching her score 3 goals in a hockey game when she was supposed to be in defence.
Fun fact:
I was originally going to be a dentist!
Oliver Needs
Upper Management
Chris Pond
‘I wish I was as good looking as Mike’
Born in Bridgeport, CT. Now living in Westwood, MA.
Business Degree from Fairfield University.
25 years in events, 17 with BOND.
Proudest moment: The day my two girls entered this world.
Fun Facts:
After 8 years of trade shows, met Oliver at AIA and the rest is history.
Has run 2 marathons (possibly chasing Nikki).
Thinks he’s as funny as Mike (he isn’t).
RK Stewart, FAIA
Edward Orange
Sales & Marketing
Nadia De Carlo
‘I love creating one-of-a-kind, memorable, extraordinary experiences for people!’
Born in Puglia Lecce, Italy. Now lives in Farnham, Surrey with Romeo the cat plus daughter when visiting from Uni.
Fine Art Graduate.
6 years in Events, all with BOND.
Proudest moment: Building the best guest lists in existence!
Fun fact:
I love building things, planting flowers in my garden, and running with music blasting in my headphones!
Berta Luna
Simon Proctor
‘Get down, Harvey!’
Born in Buckinghamshire, Home Counties but has lived in Shepherds Bush, London for over 30 years. Latest edition to the full Proctor household is Harvey the Cocker Spaniel.
15 years in events.
First worked with Olly 35 years ago, then ran a promotional merchandise company for over 20 years before returning to Olly’s side at BOND in 2018. Has since been BOND’s dedicated Five Star specialist.
Fun fact:
LOVEs rugby! (men and womens’) and coaches and tours with his son, Max at Wasps Colts.
Pratheeva Kotalawela
‘New balls, please!’
Born in London and now lives there with wife and daughters.
Bachelor of Commerce degree.
20 Years in Events and is BOND’s latest signing in May 2024.
Fun fact:
Loves playing tennis!
Santiago Gamarra
Latin America
Jenny Evans
‘How ‘bout ye?’
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, now living in Exmouth, UK.
BA Honours in Modern & Contemporary History.
‘Many’ years in events, 2 with BOND.
Fun Facts:
Has more air miles than Superman.
Took part in the Sky One TV show Project Runway.
Ani Gulyas
’Szia! Örvendek.’
Born in Budapest, Hungary.
BA in Marketing and Certificate in Digital Product Design.
Trained as a pro Yoga teacher in an Indian ashram.
10 years in events.
Fun fact:
LOVES the ocean and scuba diving.
Jessica Vasquez
‘La-laaaaaaaaa! (I can sing)’
Born, raised and based in New York but is well-travelled. MA in Luxury Brand Management from Richmond University (London, UK), BA in Communication Studies. Passionate about brand storytelling and creative expression.
3 years in brand strategy and content creation, 1 year with BOND.
Fun Facts:
Studied Musical Theatre for 15 years.
Studied in London for MA and does a very dodgy cockney accent.
Mike McCaffrey
‘Yes, yes but does my hair look ok?’
Born in Glasgow, Scotland. Now living in Brighton, by-the-sea, England, UK.
Bachelor of Divinity (more interesting than what Chris did).
Passionate about words.
20 years in events, 2 with BOND.
Fun Facts:
Nuts about old cars and has restored a fair few. Now into ‘modern’ classics.
Mildly psychic (I knew you were going to think that)
Nikki Saul
‘I hate running!’
Essex Girl and rightfully proud. Born in Chelmsford and grew up in Southend-on-Sea. Can now be seen (reluctantly) jogging the lanes around her home in Liphook, Hampshire, UK.
BA Hons in Business Communications
Fun Facts:
Named after Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda and is a MASSIVE Lewis Hamilton fan, with his racing number 44 tattooed on her arm to prove it!
Has run the London Marathon. Twice! (not on same day)
Operations
Paola Duran
‘Go Tigers!’
Born in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, now central USA-based.
Currently prepping for the UK, with an insatiable craving for the English countryside.
Reads a LOT.
BA in Political Science and History.
2 years in events, all with BOND.
Fun Fact:
Ventured solo to South Korea, studying the language at Korea University (hence the ‘Go Tigers’ thing)
Sarah Dadrass
‘Think I’ve been here before’
Born, raised and based in Chicago, IL – v much a family gal. Occupational and Recreational Therapist by trade. 5 years in events (in this life…)
Fun Facts:
Qualified yoga teacher. Ran a plant shop in Chicago that went viral.
Has lived many lives so actual experience is difficult to quantify.