As part of its strategy to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment, and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has become Montgomery Group Africa. This name change reflects the consolidation of Montgomery Group’s regional divisions across Africa under one unified management structure – to create a more agile, efficient, and future-focused organisation.
While the name is new, the company’s commitment to its people, partners, and purpose remains unchanged. The transition marks a step forward in building a stronger, more connected presence across all regions in Africa.
"Our name change is a reflection of where we're headed,” says Gary Corin. “Bringing our teams together under one identity, we're building the clarity, strength and agility we need to grow across all regions.” Corin continues as Managing Director following this transition to Montgomery Group Africa.
"Simplifying structures and aligning leadership under one cohesive vision will enhance collaboration, improve resource allocation, and enable faster decision-making within the group. We expect the transition to strengthen support for regional teams and unlock more opportunities for innovation, consistency, and long-term growth across all markets," Corin adds.
Celebrating 130 years in 2025, Montgomery Group is the UK’s longest-running independent events organiser. A fifth-generation family-owned business, its portfolio includes over 50 events and co-located events across 15 countries. The global team is made up of over 150 events professionals, united in their mission to deliver world-class exhibitions that provide meaningful platforms for industry connection, business generation, and community engagement.
"Montgomery Group has organised events across Africa since it launched Specialised Exhibitions in South Africa in 1968,” says Damion Angus, Group Managing Director and Chairman of Montgomery Group. “Since then, the Montgomery presence has expanded to include events in Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Libya and Zimbabwe, alongside our well-established portfolio of trade exhibitions in South Africa.
"Bringing the full African events portfolio under Montgomery Group Africa supports the vision of an ambitious new phase of growth across the continent. We have strong, experienced teams in every region who are enthusiastic about realising the opportunities this consolidation unlocks.”
The move will see Propak Africa, Propak Cape, Propak West Africa and Propak East Africa leading as the largest packaging, plastics, print, food processing and labelling exhibitions across Africa. East Africa’s principal event for the security, fire and safety industry – Securexpo and its co-located events – will complement the security portfolio including Securex Expo, A-OSH Expo, Facilities Management Expo and Fire Expo, hosted annually in Johannesburg, and launching for the first time in Cape Town in October this year.
Gary Corin, Managing Director for South Africa, has additionally taken on the role of Managing Director for West Africa events. Angela Kinyua continues to lead as Managing Director of the East African events. Both are operating within the unified Montgomery Group Africa structure.
Montgomery Group Africa confirms that this change will not impact day-to-day operations. The registered business entities in each region – including South, East, and West Africa – remain unchanged, and all current administrative details continue as they are.
The name change is effective from 01 September 2025.
For more information visit: https://www.montgomerygroup.com/africa
