Meet some of the team

We absolutely love what we do and are fully focused on helping you exceed your event objectives AND enjoy the process. Over the years, since Alive was founded in 1999, we’ve built a great reputation with clients, within the industry and across the supply chain. Most of our work continues to come from repeat business and referrals, and that’s how we like it because relationships really matter to us.

 

A nimble, flexible team, we pride ourselves on our experience, boundless creativity and efficiency. All essential qualities for events that tick every box.

 

Based in the UK, we have a trusted global network of highly skilled experts, so we can quickly select the best specialists to work on your event. And you’ll have a dedicated point of contact and work with our core team throughout – from taking the brief to production on the day. Here’s a bit more about us.

Chad Simpson

Managing Director

Marina Banusic

Account Director

Krystina Wood

Account Director

Danielle Henderson

Head of Operations

Julie Rowden

Finance Manager

David Williams

Business Development Manager

Chad Simpson

Managing Director

My main goal is ensuring we provide excellent customer service and a great client experience as well as running the agency. Fortunately, I’ve got a “few” years in the events world to draw on. I’ve built a wealth of corporate and agency experience leading teams in designing and delivering all kinds of live, hybrid and virtual events for clients across the globe.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
Playing padel tennis.

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
Being able to read people’s minds in pitches!

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
I’d rather regret something I’ve done than something I haven’t.

Marina Banusic

Account Director

Since starting my career in an events agency in 1996, I’ve never stopped learning. What I love about my role is that no one day is the same – even if events repeat annually, there’s always a new challenge or growth opportunity. Over the years, I’ve handled all aspects of events, from strategic content creation to badging to coach spotting. I love it all! Nowadays, I particularly enjoy building teams and motivating them to work together towards a goal.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
A walk in nature with my family.

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
Dancing tango like a professional.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
You can do this!

Krystina Wood

Account Director

My key driver is a heartfelt client ‘thank you’ at the end of an event – it’s what makes it all worthwhile. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a long time in an industry I love. Today, my specialist areas are client and account management, project management and execution, and audience engagement.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
Going for a long walk, armed with a strong coffee, listening to a good podcast.

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
Carpentry…as it would be hugely rewarding, a great creative outlet and very useful!

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
Whoever is happy will make others happy too.

Danielle Henderson

Head of Operations

With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, I’ve delivered high-quality events and complex projects for clients across a broad spectrum of sectors. This led to me specialising in the operational side of event management. And I’ve now spent many years helping agencies and project owners to establish robust processes, efficient, sustainable resourcing solutions, and a strong commercial awareness.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
Seeing anything live – whether it’s a band, a show or even a live podcast! Or playing padel tennis or squash or going for a good run.

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
The ability to play padel tennis and squash well! Failing that, I’d like to be able to play any kind of instrument or sing.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
Don’t count the days – make the days count.

Julie Rowden

Finance Manager

I enjoyed numbers from a very young age, so it seemed a perfect fit to work in finance. I’ve done so for many years now and have worked with Alive for more than a decade. I love working in a team environment and building working relationships with customers and suppliers alike.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
Taking a walk in the countryside.

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
I’ve love to be an accomplished pianist.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

David Williams

Business Development Manager

Drawing on more than 25 years’ experience in roles spanning media, publishing, e-commerce, conferences, events and pharmaceutical industries, I bring wide-ranging commercial insight to the team. I like to think I offer a fresh perspective and am a keen listener with a thoughtful approach.

What’s your favourite way to recharge outside of work hours?
I’m an avid fan of cooking and love to spend time creating culinary delights for anyone brave enough to try them. I’m also a bit of a film buff and look forward to initiating my son into all things Marvel!

If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
Becoming a pilot, whether it be flying helicopters or aeroplanes.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.

How we can help?

From strategy development to logistics and from design to production and content creation, we've got it all covered. we can handle every aspect of your event for you, or step in to provide support wherever you need it.
See our services