ASM Global has named Chris Bray (pictured left) executive vice president, European operations, with responsibility of all aspects of ASM’s European business.
Bray who will be based in Manchester, England, is a 30-year veteran in commercial, operations, entertainment and strategic development within the high-street retail, leisure and hospitality industries most recently for the past six years as CEO for sports and leisure, Sodexo UK&I.
In announcing Bray’s appointment, ASM Global president and CEO Ron Bension said: “Chris has been responsible for a business portfolio tasked with delivering exceptional experiences at some of the most prestigious sporting and event locations across the UK such as Ascot Racecourse, Chelsea Flower Show, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Newcastle United FC, as well as the National Gallery and other iconic day visitor experiences across the country. We’re confident that he will execute tremendous value creation, organic growth and new business initiatives.”
ASM’s flagship European venues include AO Arena in Manchester, Avicii Arena, Tele2 Arena and Friends Arena in Sweden and Koenig Pilsner Arena in Germany, which will become Rudolf Weber Arena in January 2022.
Bray said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining ASM Global as it accelerates its growth ambitions across the globe. Recent wins in Europe including Newcastle Gateshead Quays, Derby Arena, Cantu Arena and Södra Teatern are testament to the exceptional capabilities of our European teams and the confidence that our clients have in our ability to deliver innovative services and world-class live experiences for their guests. I am really looking forward to working with the teams to build upon the great work they have done.”
Tom Alexander (centre) has been named the vice president of programming of ocV!BE in Anaheim, California, after departing Tacoma Dome.
Opening in 2024, the proposed $3bn mixed-use community will surround its anchor, Honda Center – the home of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks – with new live entertainment venues, dining and retail offerings, and public amenities.
Alexander will oversee and provide strategic leadership to the programming department managing the booking process for concerts, shows, and non-NHL events for all proposed venues at ocV!BE including Honda Center.
“I am thrilled for industry veteran Tom Alexander to join the ocV!BE team,” said Kim Bedier, senior vice president/general manager of ocV!BE and Honda Center.
“With his wealth of experience in the live entertainment industry and key relationships with influential agents, managers, and promoters, he will make an immediate impact at Honda Center and, in the coming years, help us bring world-class entertainment to ocV!BE’s exciting new venues.”
Legends International has announced two new senior appointments with Michael Gandler (right) as chief revenue officer and Brian Killingsworth as chief marketing officer.
Gandler takes on the newly created role of CRO following a career spanning more than 20 years in the global sports and entertainment industry.
In his new position, Gandler will drive new business and growth opportunities for Legends International and work alongside the managing directors in their strategic regional countries to deliver Legends unique 360-degree platform. Gandler will be based in Italy where Legends International will open a new office.
Killingsworth, a veteran marketing executive with experience guiding MLB, NFL and NHL brands, will lead all aspects of the company’s marketing and brand vision. Killingsworth will oversee Legend’s marketing and brand strategy, communications, sales campaigns and marketing metrics, digital platforms and creative services team.
“The addition of Michael to work across our international business is part of our continued investment in growing Legends International, and one that the market demanded,” said Mike Tomon, co-president and COO for Legends. “Michael brings a wealth of experience operating and driving revenue across all areas of our integrated 360º solution and his arrival will further foster Legends International’s expansion and offer another level of expertise for our clients.”
“Brian has an expansive background serving as a brand steward for leading organizations with a focus on culture creation, brand building and data intelligence driven revenue growth.
“We are excited to have him join Legends to lead our brand during this time of extraordinary growth for the company and to provide marketing expertise to our clients to help them deliver an exceptional customer experience.”
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