We round up the latest movements from the ticketing sector and associated industries…
The NEC Group has appointed former Ocado Retail CEO Melanie Smith as its new chief executive.
Smith (pictured left) succeeds Paul Thandi, who moves to the position of chairman after nearly 17 years as CEO. With more than 25 years’ experience in executive and operational leadership, Smith has held senior positions at Marks & Spencer, Bupa, TalkTalk and McKinsey & Co.
Working with the NEC Group board and the company’s majority shareholder, Blackstone, Smith will work across its entire venue portfolio including Birmingham’s two live music arenas Utilita Arena Birmingham (cap. 15,800) and Resorts World Arena (15,685).
Most recently, Smith served as CEO of online grocer and retail company Ocado Retail, where she oversaw major technology, marketing and supplier transitions.
Smith said: “The NEC Group is a truly unique business with a rich history and significant future opportunities.
“It is internationally renowned as the go-to destination for live events in the UK, hosting some of the world’s most iconic exhibitions and shows. From our proud base in the Midlands, our vision is to become Europe’s most successful and sustainable live events business – with world class venues and supporting services that ensure unforgettable live experiences for millions of people every year.”
Music industry pioneer Gary Gersh is departing his role as president of AEG Presents’ global touring division.
Former Nirvana and Foo Fighters manager Gersh has led the AEG Presents division since it was founded in 2018.
The 67-year-old is departing to “pursue new opportunities,” according to the business. Rich Schaefer, the long-time senior vice president of global touring, will be his replacement.
Read the full story here.
Dynamic execeutive
Logitix has added Junior Gaspard, the former chief executive of mobile commerce platform Experience, to its board of directors.
Gaspard (pictured centre) is an experienced SaaS CEO and past recipient of Sports Business Journal’s Forty under 40 award. As a member of Logitix’s board, Gaspard will support the company’s overall strategy, business development, marketing, organisational design, and culture.
“Junior is a dynamic executive who joins an all-star group of leaders on the Logitix board,” said Logitix chief executive Stu Halberg. “We are fortunate to have such incredible minds to support and grow our business and ultimately bring the best ticketing technology and analytics to our clients.”
Ela Greatorex has joined Oak View Group as a vice-president of venue development, working on new projects, builds and operational readiness.
Her first project will be Co-op Live, a new 23,500-capacity arena opening in Manchester next year. Before joining Oak View Group, she worked as the venue manager for the Champions League final in Istanbul.
Greatorex has also worked as senior project manager for Legends International, director of the Singapore Indoor Stadium and OCBC Arena, assistant manager at Twickenham Stoop Stadium, and event manager at Turk Telekom Arena in Istanbul.
Industry authority
FKP Scorpio has hired experienced promoter Thomas Respondek, who was most recently director of touring at Kingstar Music.
Based at the group’s Belin office, Respondek is charged with expanding their portfolio across rock, metal and alternative areas.
“I am very happy to be starting a new professional chapter at FKP Scorpio,” said Respondek. “After 10 great years at Kingstar Music, I’m looking forward to contributing my expertise to an industry authority like FKP Scorpio. The company’s area of activity has grown steadily over the past few years, and this cultural and musical versatility really appeals to me and is supported by Hopefully my impulses will continue to increase.”
Amy Trynka has been promoted to the role of ticketing and venue strategy lead at Arsenal FC.
Trynka (pictured right) has held a series of positions at the Premier League club since joining its graduate programme in 2017. She most recently held the role of senior ticketing and strategy manager.
Sherelle Bartholomew has been promoted to ticketing and customer relations manager for the northwest at The Jockey Club.
Bartholomew has held the positions of senior ticketing/customer relations executive and regional ticketing and membership executive during her five years with the organisation. The Jockey Club operates 15 racecourses nationwide, including Aintree, Haydock Park and Carlisle in the northwest.
Do you have news of an appointment that we should know about? Get in touch by emailing news.editor@theticketingbusiness.com and we’ll include it in our next round-up.
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