Global Entertainment is to scale back its touring operations as it focuses on its festivals business.
The London-based company, which runs Kendal Calling, is one of the leading festival operators in the UK, after securing a majority stake in Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival earlier this year. Its portfolio also includes Festival Number 6, Snowbombing, Snowbombing Canada, South West Four, Field Day, Electric Elephant, Lost Village, Boardmasters, Y Not, Truck, Standon Calling, Rewind and venue venture Printworks.
As a result of the change in strategy, Global Entertainment – whose parent company Global also owns radio stations Heart, Capital and LBC – said promoters Sam Bush and Joe Schiavon have departed, with both moving to Live Nation.
“Two years after we made our first move into the festivals business, we’re the second largest operator in the UK and we’re seeing significant growth,” the company said in a statement.
“We’ve therefore made the decision to focus on this part of the business and whilst we will still do some touring, we’re prioritising growing our festivals business. As a result, Sam and Joe have moved on and we wish them all the best.
“We’re continuing to expand the festivals business in the UK and internationally. All the festivals have their own established bookers who will continue to programme the festivals and book acts.”
Bush, who joined Global from AEG UK in 2015, becomes Live Nation’s president, UK touring. Schiavon, who has promoted concerts by acts such as Jon Bellion, The Dandy Warhols and De La Soul, takes on a national promoter role.
Live Nation has also brought in promoters Kamran Haq and Sean Ryman, formerly of Academy Music Group.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Sam, Joe, Kamran and Sean to Live Nation,” said Andy Copping, Live Nation’s executive president of Touring, UK, in a statement.
“Following our partnership with Metropolis Music this year and the addition of these hires, we have further strengthened a formidable promotions team who are dedicated to breaking artists, building careers and bringing even more incredible live experiences to fans in the UK.”
IMAGE: Rachel Docherty
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