Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has appointed a chief commercial officer who previously helped open Wembley Stadium.

Natasha Thiebaut will sit on the executive board of the fan and spectator experiences business, which has a head office in Hardwicke.

She will be tasked with delivering an ambitious five-year strategic plan.

The focus will be on growing the brand and client base, expanding Freemans' capabilities in premium experiences and hospitality delivery, as well as developing and introducing all-inclusive ticket packages in the UK event industry.

Natasha has more than 25 years of experience in the venue business and has worked with Everton Football Club, FC Porto, Leinster Rugby, Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow,  the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro and the UEFA European Championships.

She was previously vice-president of IMG's stadium division, playing a leading role in the opening of Wembley Stadium and developing Club Wembley, delivering $1bn in premium seat revenue - a first in world football.

She also led IMG's advisory work for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium development.

Natasha said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the executive board, leading a fantastic group of commercial colleagues and working with great venues, events and commercial partners.

"I have long admired Freemans first-class event delivery and it's an exciting time to join the business. I look forward to helping deliver growth with best-in-class venues and events across the world."

The business started out in the 1970s as a single fish and chips outlet at Silverstone and today provides a multi-service bespoke offering from building food and beverage villages to developing payment solutions.

It operates at 650 events across the UK and Europe, including Cheltenham Races, the Six Nations, Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games, the Ashes and the FA Cup.

It works with clients such as Twickenham Stadium, Lord's Cricket Ground, the Badminton Horse Trials and brands such as Moët Chandon, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Nestlé and Mastercard.

In 2005 it moved to a multi-purpose built head office and warehouse at Quadrant Distribution Centre in Gloucester..

Stephen Freeman, CEO of Freemans Event Partners, said: "We are delighted to have Natasha joining us as we capitalise on growing our existing business and developing new revenue streams.

"Natasha's knowledge of venue and event commercialisation is second to none and we are confident that she will help lead our team to even greater success."