National Hardware Show has new director

Dean Russo has left Reed Exhibitions, where he oversaw the National Hardware Show, Lawn & Garden World and the Homewares show.

Russo had served as group vp-Reed, taking over the day-to-day business and financial operations of the National Hardware Show in January. He attended the 2008 show in Las Vegas May 6 to 8, (click here for video) which had seen an attendance increase over the 2007 show in Orlando, according to organizers.

Russo has been replaced by Ed Several, who was promoted to group vp-Reed in early June. In addition to overseeing the National Hardware Show, Several will continue to be responsible for other Reed properties -- the PGA Merchandise Show, the PGA Fall Expo and the Outdoor Sports Show.

The company has not made an official statement on the departure of Russo but said it was preparing an announcement to be released in coming days.