Featured image credit: Anthony Parkes
Oak View Group (OVG), the owner and operator of numerous stadiums and arenas worldwide, has launched a suite of venue services in the European market.
Services will range from venue development, management, premium hospitality and food service, booking, sponsorship sales and marketing.
The company claims that the establishment of this offering in the UK and broader Europe represents the first time that an owner/operator will provide services to venue owners in the market.
Rebecca Kane Burton, who recently became executive vice-president of venue management at OVG, will focus on growing the company’s venue services in Europe. She previously led Sodexo Live!, LW Theatres, The O2, and acted as interim general manager of Co-op Live in Manchester earlier this year.
“We are keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities facing venue owners,” said OVG International president Jessica Koravos.
“Our suite of service offerings is rooted in that knowledge and experience and paired with experts who have forged their careers in the European live entertainment and sports landscape, bringing real value to our clients.”
Kane Burton will spearhead a team of people dedicated to expanding the offering in the European market.
Michalis Fragkiadakis, vice-president of hospitality strategy at OVG International will lead hospitality innovation, building on the 2023 acquisition of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.
Gary Hutchinson, vice-president of booking and commercial partnerships at OVG International and MD Chrysalis Leisure Management, will continue to lead content development and strategic partnerships internationally.
Meanwhile, Katie Harel joins as vice-president of marketing after serving as global vice-president of marketing for Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.
In addition to Co-op Live, OVG’s current European clients include Aviva Studios, Birmingham City FC, EF Pro Cycling, AS Roma, and Lloyd Webber Theatres. Its portfolio of venues worldwide includes Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, UBS Arena in New York and Moody Center in Austin.
“As owners and operators ourselves, we care deeply about the challenges facing venue owners today,” said OVG360 president Chris Granger.
“Our unique partnership approach, coupled with our mission of positive disruption in the live entertainment and sports space, has fuelled our growth over the last three years.
“With our collection of expert team members with deep backgrounds in UK and European live experiences, we now have the ‘boots on the ground’ to authentically and consistently partner with venue owners to meet their needs.”
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