Ticketmaster announces new leadership appointments in Australia and New Zealand

Ticketmaster announces new leadership appointments in Australia and New Zealand

Ticketmaster, a Live Nation Entertainment company, has announced a series of leadership changes and executive appointments as part of the company’s growth and expansion across Australia and New Zealand.

Maria O’Connor, who has served as managing director of Ticketmaster Australia and New Zealand for the last 28 years, has been promoted to chairman across both countries.

O’Connor joined Ticketmaster in 1983 when the company operated as BASS under the Victorian government.

Over more than three decades at the company, O’Connor has been instrumental in many milestones and has played an integral part in shaping the ticketing industry in the region.

In her new role as chairman, she will continue responsibility for her long-term industry relationships and look for opportunities to grow Ticketmaster’s business in the region.

Ticketmaster’s global president, Mark Yovich, said: “Under the leadership of Maria O’Connor, Ticketmaster Australia and New Zealand has thrived and become the region’s leading ticketing company.

“O’Connor’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the ticketing and live event industries will continue to be an invaluable asset to our senior leadership team.”

West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) chief executive and industry veteran Gavin Taylor will take on the role of MD for Ticketmaster Australia in January.

Taylor was the general manager at Perth Stadium Management, and has extensive experience in live entertainment, events and ticketing that spans 15 years.

“Gavin is a welcome addition to the Ticketmaster family,” Yovich said.

“His impressive track record of success will undoubtedly have a great impact on our business.

“At such a crucial time for us, Gavin’s knowledge and experience will help guide our teams on the road back to live, while remaining focused on Ticketmaster’s growth and leadership within the industry.”

Commenting on his appointment, Taylor said: “I’m very excited to be joining Ticketmaster, a company I have worked closely with throughout my career and one I genuinely believe in – both the product and the people.

“In this role, I’ll be focused on supporting the business and the wider live entertainment industry in Australia as we forge the path to reopening.

“Ticketmaster will play such an important part in reconnecting venues and artists with their loyal fans, and I look forward to playing a part in supporting and delivering these fan experiences.”

Ticketmaster has also made a number of other senior executive promotions within the business.

Jim Kotsonis, who has been with the company since 2001 and served as finance and operations director, will move to the newly created position of executive vice president of Ticketmaster across Australia and New Zealand.

Justin Pule, who began his career at Ticketmaster New Zealand in 2007 and has been running the business since 2010, will now serve officially as MD of Ticketmaster New Zealand.

Harley Evans, who joined the business in 2019, continues as MD of Moshtix Australia and New Zealand servicing the general admission sector.

Taylor, Pule and Evans will all report into Kotsonis under the new structure.

Susie Kyrou, formally of ad tech giant Rokt, has been appointed to the new role of general manager of data and insights at Ticketmaster across Australia and New Zealand. Kyrou will be responsible for the rollout of the company’s local data and insights division.

Moshtix, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in February 2019, has appointed Anjelica Devoe, formerly of All Blacks Tours and Ticketmaster, to be the head of business development to drive operations in New Zealand, based in Auckland.

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