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Meanwhile Marc Saunders has been upped to head of programming at The O2, and Jo Peplow-Revell to director of corporate & special events
By Lisa Henderson on 08 Jan 2025
Emma Bownes has been promoted to senior vice president of venue programming across AEG’s European venues.
In her expanded role, Bownes will lead programming strategy and implementation for AEG Europe’s arena portfolio, The O2 in London, Hamburg’s Barclays Arena, Berlin’s Uber Arena, and Uber Eats Music Hall.
With 25 years in the sector, Bownes joined AEG in 2010 and has held multiple roles, ultimately heading the programming team responsible for curating commercially successful and innovative event calendars across AEG Europe’s venues.
She also serves as a board member for the UK charity Music Venue Trust, where she champions grassroots venues and advocates for the next generation of talent.
In 2024, she was appointed an ambassador for the Young Voices Foundation, where she played a key role in sponsoring local schools to participate in performances at The O2, underscoring her commitment to music education and talent development.
“I’m excited by the road ahead and thankful to be part of a fantastic and talented team”
“At AEG, our vision is to be the best-in-class live entertainment business and Emma’s work is fundamental to this,” says John Langford, chief operating officer, AEG Europe.
“Under her direction, we’ve been able to deliver a record-breaking number of shows and ticket sales for multiple years now. Her elevation within the business is reflective of these achievements and the focus we have on continued future growth. Emma’s passion, knowledge, and pursuit of excellence is incredibly inspiring to all those who work with her.”
Bownes adds: “I am incredibly grateful that I get to do what I love every day and do so for some of the world’s most iconic venues, alongside the very best. I’m excited by the road ahead and thankful to be part of a fantastic and talented team.”
AEG has also announced further promotions in the venue programming team. Jo Peplow-Revell has been promoted to director of corporate & special events and Marc Saunders has progressed to head of programming at The O2, reporting to Christian D’Acuna, senior programming director at The O2.
Last year, IQ marked Bownes’s 25 years in the business, quizzing the veteran on her journey to the top and the philosophies that have shaped her career success.
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