People

People on the move: AXS, Seat Unique and more…

Justin Burleigh, Lauren Caire and Andrew Leveson

Image credit: Andrew Leveson (RSC / Justin Sutcliffe)

We round up the latest movements from the ticketing sector and associated industries…

AXS has appointed Justin Burleigh (pictured left) as chief product officer with responsibility for leading global platform innovation.

Prior to joining AXS, Burleigh served as chief digital and product officer for Progress Residential, where he was responsible for leading the company’s digital transformation and developing innovative products that enhance the customer experience.  As chief product officer for Ticketmaster and later, Home Depot, Burleigh was charged with the development of new products and services while playing a role in transforming digital offerings and improving the customer experience.

“Now, more than ever, AXS has an incredible opportunity to leverage technology and personalisation in ways that transform the fan experience and drive growth,” said Burleigh.

“AXS has created a platform that puts the fan at the centre of the experience. I look forward to joining this talented team as we deliver technology-enabled, scalable solutions that make the fan experience second to none, while delivering incredible capabilities to our clients.”

England cricketing great Stuart Broad has been named as a brand representative for premium ticketing marketplace Seat Unique.

Broad joins the likes of former Wales rugby union captain Sam Warburton OBE, Wales and two-times British & Irish Lions player George North, and England cricketer Lauren Bell as representatives, as well as investors Sir Clive Woodward and Chris Kamara MBE.

The partnership will see Seat Unique work with Broad to expand the reach of the brand across live sport, music and cultural events. Find out what Broad said about the appointment here.

AEG Presents subsidiary Messina Touring Group has named three new vice presidents.

Keena Cheatham rises from promoter rep to VP of touring, LeeAnn Rotondo is upped from director of ticketing to VP of ticketing and Lauren Caire (pictured centre) moves from director of finance to VP of finance.

“It thrills me to see our MTG team grow – these individuals are just another example of the incredible MTG team,” said chief executive Louis Messina. “Watching them grow and achieve makes me so happy; the success of our team is my biggest accomplishment.”

Price targets new challenge

Andy Price has departed his role as commercial director (ticketing and arenas) as NEC Group.

Price, who joined NEC Group in 2019, said via LinkedIn that he is now on the lookout for new challenge.

“I have a deep love for this industry and I always felt like the years before were all leading up to being part of running world class venues. An industry quite unlike any other,” he wrote.

“What I’ll miss the most in the weeks ahead, are the amazing people who move heaven and earth every day to bring unforgettable live experiences to life. Thank you all so much for your support, love, and for always listening to my latest hair brained creative idea for growth. Big love to you all.”

The Royal Shakespeare Company has appointed Andrew Leveson (pictured right) as executive director.

Leveson joins the company from the Bridge Theatre (London Theatre Company), where he has aided growth since its foundation and is now director of finance and administration. Leveson will join the RSC in April and will work alongside co-artistic directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans.

Chair of the board, Shriti Vadera, said: “In Andrew, we have found an executive director not only with an understanding of the theatre world, but also a flair for innovation. His experience in the commercial and legal sector will prove invaluable in realising the artistic vision of Daniel and Tamara as they embark on their first season. This period heralds an exciting new direction for the RSC, as Andrew joins Daniel and Tamara at the helm of the company – their combined talents promise a vibrant future.”

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.