Featured image credit: Populous/HOK
Global architecture firm Populous has announced the appointment of David Hodge as a principal.
Hodge (pictured right) has over two decades of experience in large-scale sports facilities, civic, transportation and mixed-use development. He joins Populous from Rafael Vinoly Architects, where he was a partner and held several leadership positions with a focus on project design and delivery, firm management and business development.
At Populous, Hodge will work on projects worldwide while being based in the firm’s New York office. He has previously worked on projects such as the Manchester City Football Academy, and training facilities for New York City FC and Melbourne City FC.
Architecture firm HOK has announced leadership changes in its Kansas City studio, with managing principal Chris DeVolder shifting to a new role as a director of its sports, recreation and entertainment practice with an emphasis on the soccer market.
DeVolder (pictured left) served as principal-in-charge for St. Louis City SC’s CityPark stadium and is currently leading the HOK team designing a new stadium for New York City FC. He has also worked on Mercedes-Benz Stadium, PayPal Park and Lynn Family Stadium.
DeVolder will be succeeded as managing principal in Kansas City by Paul Jacob (pictured centre), who had been a senior leader in HOK’s St. Louis studio. He worked closely with DeVolder on projects such as CityPark.
Premier League football club Arsenal has announced that director of football operations Richard Garlick will take on the role of managing director in the summer.
Garlick will step into the role following the departure of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, who announced in September that he would be leaving Arsenal in the summer after 14 years with the club.
Garlick joined Arsenal in 2021 as director of football operations from the Premier League, where he worked as director of football. He previously held a number of roles at West Bromwich Albion, where he was also appointed to the board of directors in 2010.
Ryan LaBell has started a new position as director of stadium operations for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.
LaBell returns to the Dolphins after spending two and a half years at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, as director of operations. LaBell spent eight years with the Dolphins from April 2013 to July 2021, working his way up to the position of senior manager of stadium operations.
Anthony James Partners (AJP), an owner’s representative and audiovisual consultant that specialises in AV technology systems and solutions, has hired AJ Faxel as executive vice-president of business development.
Faxel will work to expand AJP’s partner network and optimise the company’s growing presence in the architectural community. He previously worked as director of sports sales for SNA Displays, and before that was ANC’s vice-president of sales.
Rick Fuson, chief executive of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, has announced that he will retire on June 18.
Fuson joined PS&E, which operates the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, in 1984 as director of special events and has served as chief executive since 2022. He had previously worked as president and chief operating officer since 2014.
Fuson will remain advisor to owner and chairman Herb Simon, while Mel Raines, PS&E’s president and chief operating officer since 2022, will take over as chief executive. Todd Taylor, PS&E’s president and chief commercial officer, will also move into a new role as president of business operations.
Premium hospitality experiences provider On Location has appointed Greg Nortman as its executive vice-president of ticketing and revenue partnerships.
Nortman most recently worked as president of Logitix and previously spent time at On Location-owned PrimeSport. He also worked for Razorgator and Ticketmaster, where he founded Ticketmaster VIP.
In his new role, Nortman will oversee ticketing inventory, pricing and distribution, as well as operations, international strategy and business development. He will be based in Los Angeles and report to Scott Jernigan, On Location’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has appointed Jack Sharp as its new head of domestic leagues.
Sharp has spent 11 years with English League Two club MK Dons, where he held several positions and most recently worked as head of football and performance, and general manager of its women’s team.
Do you have news of an appointment that we should know about? Get in touch by emailing news.editor@thestadiumbusiness.com and we’ll include it in our next round-up.
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