Industry News

Live Nation Australia names CEO Michael Coppel as new chairman

Live Nation Australia has appointed chief executive Michael Coppel as its new chairman.

Coppel joined Live Nation in 2012 when it acquired his Melbourne-based Michael Coppel Presents (MCP) and has since led the expansion of the company in the region.

As chief executive, Coppel facilitated the acquisition of the Vector Arena in Auckland, helped to win the bid for the management of St. Kilda’s Palais Theatre in Melbourne and helped with the recent acquisition of Secret Sounds, which runs two of the country’s most popular music festivals.

Live Nation spent an estimated A$30m (£17.6m/$22.3m/€21.2m) on a 51 per cent stake in Secret Sounds, which runs Australia’s largest winter festival, Splendour in the Grass, in Byron Bay, as well as Falls Festival, which takes place across four states over the New Year period.

As the company’s chairman, Coppel will be looking to keep working on maintaining his long-term industry relationships, mentor and oversee Live Nation Australia’s growing team, and search for new opportunities to expand the business in the region.

Roger Field, previously Live Nation’s chief operating officer, will replace Coppel as chief executive and be responsible for day-to-to day management of the company.

“We have built a great team over the last five years, and I am excited to be able to continue to work with them to deliver unforgettable live experiences to music fans across Australia and New Zealand,” Coppel said.

“Michael and Roger have done an amazing job of transforming our business in Australia and New Zealand over the last five years,” said Alan Ridgeway, president of Live Nation’s international and emerging markets division.