New CEO for live entertainment juggernaut Nitro Circus

Nitro Circus has announced Andy Edwards, formerly president of the sports and entertainment brand, as its new chief executive officer.

Edwards co-founded Nitro Circus’s touring arm, Nitro Circus Live, in 2009, and served as chief operating officer and board director, before becoming president two years ago. Under his presidency, the company – founded in 2003 by motorsports personality and stunt performer Travis Pastrana – has grown globally in all aspects of the business, including media production, live touring, sports competition and consumer products.

“Thinking back to where Nitro Circus started – a few crazy friends filming each other in our back yards and editing out of a garage in Utah – to now, where we have the opportunity to work with the best camera crews, editors, ramp builders, riders and logistical geniuses in the business, creating events that are seen live around the world, it’s a dream come true,” says Pastrana. “It takes a truly special type of leadership to run a company like this.

“As Nitro’s grown, Andy’s ability to keep this crazy train on the rails has been unparallelled. I’m so psyched about where we are headed and can’t wait for what’s next.”

“I am beyond excited to be leading the company into its next phase of expansion”

Nitro Circus’ touring team sold its three millionth ticket in 2018, and expects its biggest year yet in 2019: in February an outdoor stadium version of its You Got This tour launched in Australia, drawing 60,000 fans to three shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A New Zealand is wrapping up soon, with North American and Spanish dates kicking off in May and June, respectively. More tours worldwide are planned for Mexico, South America, south-east Asia and China.

The company also recently announced its first festival, partnering with Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE) and Chris Cole to create Gnarlytown: Bikes, Boards & Bands, a celebration of action sports and punk rock in southern California on 22 June, and more festival projects are in the pipeline.

“We have worked very hard over the years to create a unique brand that straddles entertainment and sport, always pushing the limits of what is possible and delivering incredible content across our live shows, events and movies to a hugely passionate and diverse body of fans around the globe,” says Edwards. “The company has never been better placed to capitalise on this, and I am beyond excited to be leading it into this next phase of expansion.”

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