Live Nation has appointed Rafael Lazarini as head of business development, South America, to focus on building the company's profile and scope in the region.
Lazarini (pictured) will be based in Rio, Brazil, and report to John Hopmans, Live Nation's EVP of business development.
"Rafael brings incredible connections and great local market knowledge as we look to build our presence throughout South America," said Hopmans.
With more than 20 years of sports and entertainment industry experience, Lazarini previously oversaw global business development for Rock World, holding company for South America's largest music festival, Rock In Rio. Prior to that, Lazarini served as CMO and head of business development at IMX Esportes & Entretenimento, where he led a series of acquisitions and developments, including the negotiations with the likes of IMG, Cirque du Soleil and AEG.
"It's a great honour to join Live Nation and help build the business in these important markets. South Americans have proven to be avid consumers of live entertainment and the market there has been expanding faster than the global average,” said Lazarini. ‘Ongoing improvements in infrastructure, technology and standards of living have set the stage for rapid growth in media and entertainment and Live Nation's core event business."
