Live Nation has bolstered its New Zealand operation with the appointment of senior leadership roles.
Stuart Clumpas has been named as the chairman for the live entertainment firm in the region, while Rick Latham and Steve Wheadon have been named head of operations and head of production, respectively.
In addition, Mark Kneebone has been promoted to head of promotions to oversee strategic event and talent development, as well as marketing.
Clumpas said: “I emigrated down under from Scotland 16 years ago supposedly to retire from the business, but I’m clearly not very good at that. Seriously though, I’m very positive about this new challenge. The New Zealand music business has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades, and this new role gives me the opportunity to make sure that Live Nation is at the forefront of ensuring that growth continues in the future. 
“Whilst we will always be close geographically to our cousins in Australia, the demographics of the two countries have moved in different paths over the past 20 years, and it’s time to capitalise and build on that in a positive fashion for New Zealand.”
Latham and Wheadon, in addition to their expanded roles, both retain full oversight of the operations and production teams at Spark Arena, which Live Nation bought into in 2015.
The recent appointment comes after the announcement of Live Nation’s controlling interest in Rhythm & Vines Festival, and will help to drive the firm’s growth in the region.
Live Nation Australasia’s chief executive, Roger Field, added: “New Zealand is a valuable and vibrant entertainment market, and it’s time it is recognised for its importance and growth potential it the region.
“These appointments demonstrate our commitment to New Zealand, and our objective of bringing more events, to more people across the country.”
Image: Live Nation PR
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