Jastrem retires from post as GES President

Jastrem retires from post as GES President
Dykstra to lead GES while search is conducted

PHOENIX — Viad Corp announced that John Jastrem, president of Global Experience Specialists’ business unit, has stepped down from his post and will retire. Paul Dykstra, president, chairman and CEO of GES' parent company Viad will assume the role while a search for his replacement is conducted. The announcement was made on March 22.

Jastrem has led the company since July when he replaced former GES President and CEO Kevin Rabbitt.

"I would like to thank John for his years of service at Viad, first in leading a turnaround at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and more recently in consolidating and rebranding GES and EG," Dykstra said. “We thank him for his leadership in this role and wish him all the best.”

Dykstra served as president and chief executive office of GES from 2000 to 2006 before being named presidend and chief executive office of parent company, Viad in 2006. Jastrem will be available to the company on a consulting basis to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“It has been a great experience for me to lead the team in revitalizing the Exhibitgroup/Giltspur organization by installing a client-centric and winning culture,” Jastrem said. “I want to thank all of the employees across Viad who have worked so tirelessly over the past several months to create the combined GES organization and I wish them great success.”