ASM Global APAC announces Tim Worton replacement
ASM Global (APAC) has appointed Meagan Walker as group director of arena operations, replacing veteran Tim Worton CVE, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Walker has held senior management roles with some of Australia’s most successful and high-profile venues including Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and Palais Theatre.
Her experience in the industry takes in the “full gamut” of live events hosted at ASM Global’s arenas, convention centres and other venues including concerts, sporting events and family spectaculars, according to the firm.
In her new role, Walker will lead the ASM Global arena network in Australia while supporting other arenas in the region with a focus on event acquisition, operational planning for best practice patron experience and event delivery.
She will join ASM Global on 10 October from her current role with Live Nation.
“The depth and scale of Meg’s experience in the operation of major events and live entertainment is the perfect fit to lead our portfolio of world-class arenas,” says ASM APAC Chairman, Harvey Lister.
“The depth and scale of Meg’s experience in the operation of major events and live entertainment is the perfect fit”
“Both Meg Walker and Tim Worton have long been recognised as legends in the industry and we are so fortunate to be the recipients of their expertise and professionalism as part of our management team. Meg has proven to be an accomplished event professional with strategic and collaborative leadership skills.”
Lister adds that one of Walker’s greatest talents is her ability to mentor the next generation of aspiring venue managers, which will be a key part of her role to support the company’s continuing growth.
The exec has been involved with the Venue Management School for 13 years and the Leadership Institute since its inception and serves as a board member of the Venue Management Association (VMA).
“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing strong performance and growth of the ASM Global portfolio by collaborating with all stakeholders and supporting the team to achieve their personal and professional goals, while ensuring ASM arenas maintain their world’s best practice reputation,” comments Walker.
“I know ASM to be deeply passionate about making an experience – the experience – for patrons and stakeholders and I look forward to supporting that shared goal.”
Walker fills the role left by Tim Worton, who has worked at ASM Global for 25 years. Worton will work with Walker during the transition before vacating the role to pursue a pastoral chaplaincy role.
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ASM Global expands Middle East venue portfolio
ASM Global is expanding its Middle East portfolio with the addition of two new venues in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia.
The global entertainment giant has been appointed as the managing operator of the 20,000-seat Jeddah Arena and the International Convention Centre Jeddah (ICC Jeddah), both set to open in December 2025.
The two new venues will be located adjacent to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, as part of the Jeddah Airport City project.
ASM’s Middle East portfolio already includes the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (cap. 17,000), the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.
“ASM Global is looking forward to being an integral part of the team to deliver this visionary project in Jeddah,” says ASM Global Asia Pacific chairman and chief executive, Harvey Lister.
“It was only fitting to appoint the global giants in the venue and entertainment industry to collaborate on this landmark project”
“We pride ourselves on joining forces with partners with whom we know we can make a difference to creating and delivering amazing experiences.”
SARH Real Estate and Development founder and chairman of SARH Real Estate Investments, Sultan Al-Harbi, added: “Upon analysing the significant importance of both the iconic arena and convention centre, it was only fitting to appoint the global giants in the venue and entertainment industry, ASM Global, to collaborate on this landmark project for Jeddah and Saudi Arabia.”
SARH Real Estate and Development recently announced the Airport City project, which will include three to five-star hotels, a shopping mall, ‘world-class’ parklands, a dedicated business centre and residential sector, as well as many other recreational amenities. The development is set to commence by the end of 2021.
Today’s news comes weeks after ASM was announced as the managing operator of The Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre – the largest venue of its kind in the Middle East.
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ASM to operate largest convention centre in Middle East
ASM Global has been appointed as the managing operator of the largest exhibition and convention centre in the Middle East.
The Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre will offer 95,000 sqm of exhibition space over 10 halls, a 4,000-seat tiered auditorium and 95 meeting rooms.
Royal & VIP Majlis (parliament rooms), event organisers’ offices and a 250-seat capacity restaurant will complete a total site area of 309,000 sqm.
Upon completion in mid-2022, the venue will host a range of events including exhibitions and conventions, concerts, live events, weddings and seminars.
ASM will manage, operate and programme the new destination, after being successfully appointed by Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority (BTEA).
The international venue operator’s Middle East portfolio also includes the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (cap. 17,000) and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.
“[This development] will further position Bahrain as a growing international destination helping to drive growth”
“We are delighted to have been appointed the operator of what will be a landmark development, which will further position Bahrain as a growing international destination helping to drive growth and create jobs as well as a legacy for the Kingdom,” says ASM Global Asia Pacific chairman and chief executive, Harvey Lister.
“We look forward to working with Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority in creating a brand-new exhibition and convention hub at the heart of the region.”
Iain Campbell, executive VP, ASM Global Gulf Region, added: “The appointment as managing operator is testament to ASM Global’s expertise, knowledge and experience in bringing venues to life across the world.
“Our aim for Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre is to create a venue with its own distinct identity that resonates with MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions] visitors as well as the leisure and tourism market that benefits the local economy and enhances the Kingdom’s status globally.”
Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority chief executive officer, Dr Nasser Qaedi, says: “The new centre will reinforce the Kingdom’s status regionally and internationally and Bahrain’s position in the MICE industry. We look forward to working with ASM Global to attract international exhibitions and conferences to be held in Bahrain.”
ASM Global’s venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centres, and performing arts venues.
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Mark Jan Kar appointed new GM of Coca-Cola Arena
Mark Jan Kar has been promoted to general manager of Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena following the recent resignation of arena CEO Guy Ngata.
Kar, who is currently the arena’s director of commercial and live, will assume the role on 20 June following the departure of Ngata, who is returning to his home country of New Zealand.
Harvey Lister, chairman and chief executive of arena operator ASM Global Apac, says: “Guy’s leadership and management of the arena is demonstrated by Coca-Cola Arena Dubai being named venue of the year at the Middle East Event Awards last month. Guy will be returning to Auckland to join his family for an extended period and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”
“Mark’s understanding and knowledge of the many wonderful and unique characteristics of the destination will be invaluable”
Welcoming Kar, Lister continues: “We are committed to and optimistic about the future. As a long-time resident of Dubai, Mark’s understanding and knowledge of the many wonderful and unique characteristics of the destination will be invaluable, and he will be fully supported by the whole ASM Global team as we grow content for the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region generally.”
With a capacity of 17,000, Coca-Cola Arena is the biggest indoor arena in Dubai. The venue opened in 2019 but has, in common with other entertainment venues globally, spent much of the past year with its doors shut, though it managed to reopen for socially distanced shows at the tail end of last year.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity afforded to me by ASM Global APAC and [venue owner] Dubai Holding,” says Kar. “As an executive team we are committed along with our stakeholders to the return of live in the city of Dubai and truly excited for what the future holds.”
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