We round up the latest movements from the ticketing sector and associated industries…
Former Ticketmaster vice-president of sales and marketing Lauren Pye has been brought in to lead the new US team of integrated streaming and event payment platform, TicketCo.
TicketCo already has a presence in Norway, the UK, Poland and Sweden. It will also target Germany and the Netherlands as part of its European expansion plans.
Pye will take on the role of vice-president of sales. She said: “TicketCo is exactly what the US events industry needs and hasn’t been offered yet. It’s a game changer, I’ve not seen another company offer ticketing, live streaming, and video on demand, seamlessly built into one platform.
“They all bring in integrations and outside partners to fill in their gaps. TicketCo has experienced great success in Europe as a disruptor and I’m looking forward to delivering the same impact in the US.”
You can read the full story here: TheTicketingBusiness.com
Elsewhere, live entertainment and venue management company ASM Global has appointed Alex Merchán to spearhead the company’s global marketing strategies and development.
The new executive vice-president of marketing will be responsible for all marketing, data analytics, digital, creative and communications efforts for the company worldwide.
Merchán said: “ASM’s multichannel digital platform leverages a global footprint and rich live event data to create and power impactful marketing campaigns, drive guest engagement and grow ticket sales.
“Our global scope and expertise, technology infrastructure, and strategic partners provide an exciting foundation to leverage on the ground marketing activation with a robust integrated digital network and deliver engaged audiences across all our stadiums, arenas, convention centres and theatres.”
Read the full story here: TheTicketingBusiness.com
The Coachella Valley Firebirds, an American Hockey League (AHL) franchise that has recently been unveiled, and Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory and investment company for sports and live entertainment, has made two new appointments.
The Firebirds are an affiliate team for National Hockey League (NHL) franchise Seattle Kraken.
Gina Rotolo (pictured left) has been made the vice-president of marketing and communications for the Firebirds, while Drew Gershenson (pictured right) has been brought in as director of booking for Coachella Valley Arena.
Rotolo will begin her role immediately and will report to Coachella Valley Arena president Steve Fraser, while Gershenson will begin at the end of January and report to JoAnn Armstrong, vice-president of programming.
Fraser said: “We are ecstatic to add an individual with Gina’s experience as we continue to compile our team of top-end talent with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Our goal for a winning franchise is building out a strong foundation for this organisation and growing our presence throughout Southern California.”
Rotolo boasts more than 15 years of communications experience and has worked on the development of concert tours, artists residency shows, venues, professional sporting teams and events. In her new role, Rotolo will be responsible for building marketing, public relations and social teams.
Previously, Rotolo has worked as a consultant, representing clients including the NHL, Live Nation and Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, Houston Astros.
Rotolo said: “I am excited to be a part of Oak View Group and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of leaders tapped to bring hockey and entertainment to the Coachella Valley. I am eager to build the Firebirds brand and create impact through innovative marketing and communications strategies along with a core focus of fostering roots within the local community, with the Seattle Kraken, and with hockey fans around the world.”
Gershenson has more than 10 years of industry experience working with artists, agents, managers and labels. He will be responsible for overseeing content programming for concerts, family shows and special events, as well as facilitating the AHL hockey schedules. Prior to going to OVG, Gershenson served as director of programming for ASM Global’s Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
He said: “I’m honoured to be joining an amazing team to help bring this dynamic new arena to life. Palm Springs is on the verge of an entertainment explosion, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team to take it over the top. Coachella Valley Arena will be the premier destination to see top-notch entertainment.”
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.
Images: Courtesy of OVG