Industry News

Perth’s Optus Stadium sheds COO Paatsch

Brad Paatsch, chief operating officer of the new Optus stadium in Perth, has been made redundant, just two weeks after the venue officially opened.

Paatsch was appointed to the role back in November of 2016 while construction work was still ongoing, but according to ABC, he has fallen victim to “structural changes” to staffing.

Mike McKenna, chief executive of VenuesLive, which operates the new stadium, confirmed the news in a statement.

“After a year of pre-operational planning and preparation behind us and looking ahead to the future needs of our fans and customers now operations are underway, the VenuesLive organisational structure has been updated,” McKenna said.

“During his time with VenuesLive, Brad was responsible for delivering a commercial program which included acquiring Optus as a naming rights partner, one of the largest rights deals of its type in Australia, along with the implementation of the Bankwest Club and procuring commercial agreements with local suppliers such as Gage Roads and Mrs Mac.

“We wish Brad all the best for the future and thank him for his commitment to Optus Stadium.”

Image: Samuel Wiki