Malone joins with immediate effect and will support the Front Events team by developing its existing portfolio of exhibitions, establishing new events and helping the business with new and ongoing relationships.
At the end of last year Malone retired from the mortgage industry after spending over 50 years working in the sector, most recently as executive chairman of PMS.
Malone was heavily involved in Front Events’ first exhibition, FSE London, which took place in October last year with over 50 exhibitors and over 1,100 visitors attending.
James Prosser, director of Front Events, said: “Bringing the ‘Godfather of Mortgages’ on board is a real coup for our business and we are delighted to announce John as the new chairman of Front Events.
“We have always had a strong relationship and John has been a real source of inspiration both personally and professionally.
“He has provided constant support and advice over the years, particularly over the last 12 months as I launched Front Events and FSE.
“To have him officially on board means we can continue our relationship and work much more closely together to develop the business as a whole and all our exhibitions.
“We have major plans and will be ramping up our activity over the course of year and beyond.
“Despite having more retirement farewells than Frank Sinatra I knew he wouldn’t be able to stay away from the market for long and it gives us all great confidence to know that he’s chosen to step back in with Front Events.”
John Malone, chairman of Front Events, added: “The thought of a ‘pipe and slippers’ retirement does not really appeal especially when I can be involved in businesses as forward-thinking and inspiring as Front Events.
“I have known, and worked with James, for many years and his passion for financial services and delivering quality events for the sector is, in my opinion, second to none.
“We worked very closely last year on FSE London which was a great success and I am now looking forward to a more formal role within Front Events to develop more FSE exhibitions but also the range of other targeted events we have planned.
“It is an exciting time for financial services and I believe with James we can deliver a range of events that offer a fulfilling experience for attendees, exhibitors and all our stakeholders.”
Front Events have announced two exhibitions for 2014 - FSE Manchester which will take place on Wednesday 21 May at Emirates Old Trafford, the new name for the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, and FSE London which will once again take place on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September at Old Billingsgate, in the heart of the City of London.
