We round up the latest movements from the ticketing sector and associated industries…
Tix Ticketing, based in Reykjavik in Iceland, has recently made a change at the top with Arnar Ólafsson (pictured right) coming in as the creative director.
Ólafsson has previous experience with design work for companies such as social media giant Facebook, gaming company CCP and global news outlet Reuters. He has also served as executive creative director for creative agency Ueno, which has now been acquired by Twitter.
In a statement, a Tix spokesperson said: “We have no doubt that his experience and eye for quality and detail will enhance the Tix solution even further.”
Elsewhere, Andy Povey has become the managing director, UK & Ireland at software provider Convious.
Povey has previously been the managing director of Gateway Ticketing Systems UK, where he was in the role for almost nine years.
Dale Ballentine (pictured left) has returned to Ticketmaster once again, as hehas joined Ticketmaster Sport as the project director for Olympic Hospitality.
Ballentine has had an illustrious career within the ticketing industry, having been the chief executive of Motorsport Tickets for over two years, and the chief operating officer for Eventim UK. He was originally with Ticketmaster for almost four years, with roles such as senior technical ticketing manager, business transformation manager and ticketing systems manager for England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Ballentine wrote on LinkedIn: “I’m delighted to have (re)joined Ticketmaster Sport today, managing the Olympic Hospitality project alongside On Location.
“This exciting project will see us deliver a range of products and services for the next three Olympic Games. I’m looking forward to working with our great partners and reuniting with some great people.”
Music-based entertainment company, Universal Music Group, has appointed Matt Young as president of Bravado, its merchandise business.
Young has more than 20 years of experience in the music industry, building brands and artist services, with a focus on merchandising, e-commerce, retail, consumer product licensing, ticketing and customer relationship management.
“Matt has the leadership and vision to complement Bravado’s stellar track-record of innovation and success,” said Richelle Parham, president of global e-commerce and business development. “In this role, Matt will be a critical element of the ecosystem we have built to deliver unparalleled consumer-driven e-commerce, as well as ensure our artists are reaching their fans and new audiences around the world with exciting products and experiences.”
Young will be based at Bravado’s New York offices and will report directly to Parham. He added: “I’m stoked to lead Bravado at this pivotal time and to build on the company’s reputation as the leader in our industry. Bravado is known for creating innovative new opportunities for artists to meaningfully connect with their fans, both directly, on tour and through some of the most prominent retailers in the world.
“With Richelle and her team, Bravado will work closely with our roster of artists, as well as UMG’s labels, territories and operating companies to take UMG’s direct-to-consumer and merchandise strategy to an even greater level of success.”
Young is joining Bravado from Warner Music Group, where he was in the role for the last 13 years.
Do you have news of an appointment that we should know about? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll include it in our next round-up.