Co-op Live appoints director of booking

The UK’s largest arena Co-op Live has announced that NEC Group veteran Ben Sharman is joining the Manchester venue as its new director of booking.

Sharman’s arrival coincides with Co-op Live director of strategic programming, Katie Musham’s move into Oak View Group International, where she will continue to grow Co-op Live’s programme of bespoke events and support OVG in its expansion across Europe and the rest of the world.

With over a decade of experience in the live events and entertainment industry, Sharman’s achievements include account managing British Athletics’ commercial partners in advance of the London 2012 Olympic Games and securing major sponsorships for Aston Villa Football Club in the Premier League.

He joined the commercial partnerships department at the NEC Group in 2014, transitioning into arena programming in 2017. In late 2022, he was promoted to head of programming for Utilita Arena Birmingham and bp pulse LIVE.

Sharman led the arenas to record-breaking financial success including programming tours such as Genesis’ The Last Domino? Tour and Peter Kay’s Better Late Than Never tour, as well as delivering the 2022 Concert for Ukraine, which raised £13 million for the Disasters Emergency Committee.

“When the opportunity to work with the UK’s largest arena came, it was impossible to turn down”

“Joining Oak View Group and Co-op Live marks an exciting new chapter in my career after an incredible 11 years at the NEC Group, for which I’m deeply grateful,” says Sharman.

“When the opportunity to work with the UK’s largest arena came, it was impossible to turn down. I’m eager to bring my experience in venue programming and strong industry relationships to cement Co-op Live’s status as a must-play venue in the global live events industry.”

Gary Hutchinson, executive vice president global touring and content, Oak View Group International adds: “We are delighted to welcome Ben Sharman to Co-op Live. His impressive career trajectory, unmatched expertise, and industry relationships make him the perfect choice to lead our booking strategy. We’re confident that Ben’s vision will further elevate Co-op Live as a premier destination for world-class events, and continue our established record for hosting the world’s most exceptional artists.”

Sharman’s appointment comes after NEC Group veteran Guy Dunstan was enlisted as Co-op Live’s new general manager and SVP.

Dunstan took the helm on 21 October as the interim general manager Rebecca Kane Burton became EVP of venue management for OVG International.

In 2025, Co-op Live is set to welcome a host of global talents such as Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie, Hans Zimmer, and more.

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