Populous – the architects behind the London 2012 Olympic Stadium – have appointed ex-Informa chief executive Peter Rigby as co-chair.

Rigby joins existing chair Rod Sheard, who is the founder of the studio, in overseeing its business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He spent 30 years at the multinational in a leadership capacity. During his tenure, the company increased its market capitalisation to £3bn (US$4.3bn, €3.8bn).

In addition, senior principal Christopher Lee has been promoted to managing director. He has worked for Populous in Australia, the US and Europe, and has been involved in designing the ANZ Stadium for Sydney 2000, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and the Estadio das Dunas for the 2014 Football World Cup in Brazil.

Sheard said that Rigby had the “enthusiasm, enterprise and strategic counsel” to help Populous “maintain and develop its leading position in the design of world-class facilities and events”.

“Our success has been built on designing venues that draw people together for truly memorable experiences. No one understands that better than Christopher Lee, who alongside our highly experienced team of senior principals, has played a big part in the growth of our European operations,” he added.

The full Populous EMEA board comprises Sheard, Lee, Ben Vickery, Mike Trice and Nicholas Reynolds.