Lime Venue Portfolio is delighted to announce that Jo Austin, currently serving as Sales Director, has taken on an additional leadership role as the new Conference & Events Sustainability Lead for Compass Group UK&I.
This dual position underscores Jo’s dedication to driving event sustainability, leveraging her extensive experience and standing as one of the most recognised faces in the UK meetings and events industry.
Jo’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Lime Venue Portfolio, which has been at the forefront of sustainable event food practices for over a decade. Under her leadership, the brand has become a key commentator on sustainability in the events sector, championing the importance of sustainable food sourcing, influencing delegate behaviour, and redefining industry standards.
In this additional role, Jo will be instrumental in advancing Levy UK&I’s sustainability agenda, working across the organisation’s extensive network of venues, which serve millions of delegates annually. Her focus will be on supporting venue teams to embed sustainable practices seamlessly into their operations, ensuring that sustainability is not just an initiative but a standard.
“This is an issue that isn’t going anywhere,” Jo comments. “It’s being driven by consumer behaviour, by the ethics and values of our clients, and by the leadership across Lime Venue Portfolio, Compass UK&I, and Levy. It’s massively important to our member venues, their owners, their customers, and their delegates. We’ve created a movement around a global trend, and it’s not going backward – it’s just accelerating.”
Since stepping into this role, Jo has actively engaged with industry experts, clients, and stakeholders to deepen her understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities. “I see my role as supporting all our venue teams in ensuring that our messages and objectives land effectively and become an integral part of what we do. Understanding the pinch points and providing the necessary support is key to bringing everyone along on this journey,” Jo adds.
In addition to her new sustainability role, Jo will continue to lead the sales strategy for Lime Venue Portfolio, using her extensive network to influence industry opinions and practices positively. She is particularly focused on the next evolution of sustainability, emphasising the broader spectrum of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. As part of this, Lime Venue Portfolio is launching a new series of practical guides over the next 12 months focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) for event organisers.
Jo’s expanded role is a testament to Lime Venue Portfolio’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability. This strategic move not only strengthens the company’s position as a sustainability leader but also sets a benchmark for the entire events industry.
