NEC Group names Jen Mitchell MD for arenas
Birmingham’s NEC Group has announced the appointment of Jen Mitchell as managing director for arenas.
Mitchell, who was most recently general manager at Manchester’s AO Arena, will lead the teams at BP Pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham, with an initial focus on launching the new premium seating and hospitality areas at the UK venues.
“It’s fantastic to be joining the team at the NEC Group at such an exciting time,” says Mitchell. “It’s a unique opportunity to lead a team across two of the best arenas in the country and I’m looking forward to getting started.
“The redevelopment of the premium areas is a huge opportunity and will enable guests to experience shows at a whole new level. I can’t wait to work with the team at the arenas and continue to bring exceptional experiences to all the guests who walk through our doors.”
“Jen brings a wealth of industry experience and I look forward to working closely with her”
Mitchell brings more than 25 years of experience working in the live events industry. Her previous roles also include general manager at First Direct Arena in Leeds and MD at Kings Place. She succeeds NEC Group veteran Guy Dunstan, who recently joined the Manchester’s Co-op Live as general manager and SVP.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jen on board, at such an exciting time for the NEC Group,” adds NEC Group CEO Melanie Smith. “Jen brings a wealth of industry experience and I look forward to working closely with her to deliver a magical experience for guests at our arenas.”
Upcoming concerts at the 15,600-cap BP Pulse LIVE include Kasabian, The Corrs, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Charli XCX and Cyndi Lauper, while the 15,800-cap Utilita Arena Birmingham will host the likes of The Script, Courteeners, Sleep Token, Sam Fender and Slipknot.
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
Birmingham arena renamed in new sponsorship deal
Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena is to be renamed bp pulse LIVE as part of a new sponsorship agreement between the NEC Group and the UK electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
Located on the NEC Campus, the 15,600-cap venue will adopt its new name on 1 September.
“We are delighted to partner with the innovative bp pulse, providing electrifying experiences in the venue as well as supporting audiences to make the transition to electric vehicles,” says NEC Group CEO Melanie Smith. “The best partners are those who can add value for the millions of live-event fans that walk through our doors each year, so we can’t wait to start working with bp pulse.”
The deal expands bp pulse’s relationships in the music industry, which already include its sponsorship of community music charity, Music Workshop, and title sponsorship of CarFest, the UK’s largest family fundraising festival.
“We are excited by our thrilling new partnership and to add our name to such a prestigious music venue”
“We are excited by our thrilling new partnership and to add our name to such a prestigious music venue,” says Elen Macaskill, chief customer officer at bp pulse. “Our focus at bp pulse is on delivering convenient and reliable EV charging for customers. By teaming up with a well-known arena at the heart of the UK, we aim to raise awareness of our brand and confidence in EV charging, given how conveniently close it is to our EV charging Gigahub.”
Upcoming concerts at the venue include Doja Cat, Girls Aloud, Deep Purple, The Corrs, Charli XCX, Culture Club, Craig David, Snow Patrol, Gabrielle, Twenty One Pilots and Andre Rieu.
“As the arena takes on a new headline partner in bp pulse LIVE we wish them every success and also look forward to continuing our relationship and affiliation with NEC Group,” adds Vince Williams, marketing director for Resorts World Birmingham. “Enjoying a position adjacent to the arena, we look forward to playing our part in the exciting developments for the NEC in the years to come.”
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.