BLR WORLD, a global consultancy renowned for its expertise in culture, entertainment, and mega events, has recently made a strategic leadership move with the appointment of Lisa Pennington as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in Dubai, Pennington brings an impressive track record of over 25 years in the global sports and events industry, with a wealth of operational experience from the Middle East. Her appointment is a pivotal moment for BLR WORLD, aligning with the company’s growing international ambitions as it expands its footprint in delivering large-scale, high-impact experiences worldwide.
Prior to joining BLR WORLD, Pennington held the role of Director of Services at FIFA, where she played a central role in managing workforce governance, recruitment, volunteer engagement, guest experience, and event operations for some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and a range of other major global sporting events. Her deep understanding of managing complex, high-profile events makes her an invaluable asset to BLR WORLD as the company continues to scale its operations across mega-events, cultural initiatives, and sports programs.
Pennington’s leadership style is built on a foundation of precision and clarity, with a keen ability to lead cross-functional teams to success. Her vast experience in overseeing the delivery of iconic events, such as Expo 2020 and other flagship programs, speaks to her exceptional capability in managing intricate stakeholder relationships and delivering high-impact results. Her expertise extends beyond event execution, having also worked on global sports sponsorship programs and government-led initiatives in both the UAE and the UK.
At BLR WORLD, Pennington will take charge of refining the operational strategy and furthering the company’s mission to deliver world-class experiences across a range of international events. Her vision is to continue building high performing global teams, ensuring that BLR WORLD remains at the forefront of innovation and service excellence within the experiential sector. With a focus on empowering talent and fostering creativity, Pennington aims to set new industry standards, reinforcing BLR WORLD’s commitment to delivering iconic experiences led by “Simply Brilliant People.”
This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for BLR WORLD. Pennington’s vast experience, leadership, and strategic vision are sure to accelerate the company’s growth, further cementing its position as a trusted partner for global sports, entertainment, and cultural events. With her at the helm of operations, BLR WORLD is poised to continue delivering unforgettable experiences with unmatched operational integrity and innovation.
