Rich Schaefer promoted to president of global touring, AEG Presents

Touring industry veteran Rich Schaefer has been promoted to president of global touring at concert promotion and artist development company, AEG Presents.

Schaefer previously held the position of senior vice-president of global touring, after joining AEG Presents in 2018, the same year the company’s global touring division was launched. During that time, Schaefer helped to sign and promote artists such as Kane Brown, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan, Leon Bridges, Carin Leon, Hugh Jackman, Tame Impala, Maggie Rogers and more. 

AEG Presents’ global touring team has also promoted tours for the likes of Sir Elton John, Blackpink, Tyler The Creator, Luke Combs, Journey and more. 

In this new role, Schaefer will oversee all aspects of the company’s worldwide touring deals, operations and talent relations. He will report to Jay Marciano, chairman and chief executive of AEG Presents, and chief operating officer of AEG. Additionally, Schaefer will join AEG Presents’ executive committee. 

“Rich has a wealth of experience across every level of the concert business. His rapport with artists, managers and agents, along with his attention to detail and follow-through, have made him a critical member of our team. I’m thrilled to elevate him to president of global touring,” said Marciano.

Schaefer added: “I am very excited to step into this new role leading Global Touring, and I’m extremely grateful for the support from Jay and everyone at AEG Presents.  Our priority is to continue executing at the highest level for our clients, their teams and fans.”

The news comes following the departure of former Nirvana and Foo Fighters manager Gary Gersh, last month. 

Gersh had led the global touring division since it was founded five years ago.