“Danielle takes up the new role at a critical time in the industry and our appointment of her signals our intent and aspirations for the stadium and the Sporting Quarter development as a whole,” Said Jenny Hutchinson, Head of Ashton Gate Stadium Venue & Events.

Hutchinson added: “Danielle has an excellent track-record with securing new and prestigious accounts during her six years with the internationally-renowned hotel chain The Doyle Collection. Her experience as their global account manager for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) will be invaluable as we look to build the Sporting Quarter with its hotel and conference centre; but also, to the stadium itself as we recover from the pandemic.”

Argent’s previous role saw her selling venues around the globe with properties in the UK, EU and the United States. Argent commented that part of what attracted her to the Ashton Gate position was that she could focus on promoting one city and attracting international events and business to Bristol.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in,” she said. “This last 12 months has been so hard on everyone and particularly the events industry – so to start the same week as the government published its roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions, it feels especially poignant; like the whole industry has had a kick-start.

“Bristol is an incredible city with so much to offer and I want to be a part of something which will help rejuvenate our city’s economic fortunes. The scale of the Sporting Quarter development is tremendously exciting, and part of my role will be to attract new business for when that opens in 2023/24.

“In the meantime, helping the established team at Ashton Gate re-build its meetings and events business (in the wake of the pandemic) is something that I’m delighted to be a part of.

“Everyone has been really welcoming and I’m struck by the infectious energy and enthusiasm within the team. There is ‘can-do’ attitude here which will really help drive the business forward and out of this unprecedented time.”

For more information on bookings and events at the stadium email: events@ashtongate.co.uk