US sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) has launched London-based OVG International.
OVG was co-founded by industry giants Irving Azoff and Tim Leiweke in 2015. OVG International will be tasked with exploring arena and stadium development and partnership opportunities in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and is already in advanced discussions on a number of projects.
The company has announced the appointments of experienced industry figures including former AEG execs Jessica Koravos (co-chair) and Brian Kabatznick (EVP business development & facilities), Sam Piccione III (president), Mark Donnelly (COO), Marc-Elie Robert (SVP commercial), Martha Rolle (legal counsel) and Gary Hutchinson (stadium consultant), formerly of Wembley Stadium and Sunderland Stadium Of Light.
Tim Leiweke (pictured), co-founder and CEO of Oak View Group, said: “Oak View Group is growing rapidly, and we’re delighted to welcome seven exceptional executives to our team as we launch OVG International. Our aim is to create a new generation of state-of-the-art entertainment facilities. Our venues will be an elite class in terms of fan experience, artist experience and technology and will provide an unparalleled platform for the activation of global brands.
“The live events market has grown significantly in the United States since Oak View Group launched three years ago, and we see a huge opportunity to drive similar growth internationally by creating world-class experiences in world-class arenas.
“We look forward to extending the Arena and Stadium Alliance to like-minded venues outside North America and to announcing more about OVG International’s plans soon.”
In addition to major arena development projects at the Key Arena in Seattle, Belmont in New York, and The University of Texas in Austin, Oak View Group runs the Arena and Stadium Alliance, an invitation-only partnership of 28 arenas in North America.
