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FKP Scorpio promotes duo to international board

FKP Scorpio has bolstered its international operations with the appointments of Rauha Kyyrö and Rense van Kessel as presidents touring & artist development.

Founders of Finland’s Fullsteam and the Netherlands’ Friendly Fire, respectively, Kyyrö and Van Kessel have worked with more than 3,000 artists combined since entering the business in the early 2000s.

The duo have been appointed to FKP’s international board and will be in charge of developing the group’s artist booking and promoter activities across Europe.

“Rauha and Rense’s work has been a vital part of our success for several years now”, says FKP boss Folkert Koopmans and CEO Stephan Thanscheidt. “Their new roles as presidents touring & artist development are the next step in strengthening our natural growth and diverse portfolio, with the aim of being the best partner for artists and music fans alike.”

In addition, the firm has recently appointed new directors in Finland (Aino-Maria Paasivirta, head promoter, Fullsteam Agency), Netherlands (Lauri van Ommen, head of promoted shows and Age Versluis, head of touring, Friendly Fire) and Germany (Inga Esseling and Ben Rodenberg, directors touring, FKP Scorpio).

Founded by Koopmans in 1990, Germany-headquartered FKP is part of the global CTS Eventim Group and works with acts such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters, Sam Fender, Kraftwerk, Phoebe Bridgers, James Blunt, George Ezra and Mumford & Sons.

FKP is also expanding its collaboration with DreamHaus to co-promote the Rock am Ring/Rock im Park and Hurricane/Southside festivals

Its domestic festival portfolio includes festivals such as Hurricane, Southside, Highfield, M’era Luna, Elbjazz and Deichbrand Festival, while international brands include Greenfield (CH), Syd For Solen (DK) , Best Kept Secret (NL), Lido Sounds (AT), Rosendal Garden Party (SE), Live Is Live (BE), Provinssi and Sideways (FI).

In other news, FKP will expand its collaboration with CTS stablemate DreamHaus by forming a strategic partnership to co-promote the Rock am Ring/Rock im Park and Hurricane/Southside festivals together in the future. Previously, DreamHaus and FKP Scorpio had already jointly organised the Tempelhof Sounds Festival in Berlin in 2022.

“We have always valued FKP Scorpio as a partner and are very much looking forward to further expanding our trusting cooperation,” says DreamHaus CEO Matt Schwarz.

The operational planning and implementation of the respective twin festivals will remain unchanged. FKP Scorpio will continue to act as head promoter and main contact at Hurricane/Southside and DreamHaus in cooperation with eventimpresents and Argo Konzerte at Rock am Ring/Rock im Park.

“We have worked closely with DreamHaus as equals from the very beginning,” adds Koopmans. “We face similar challenges at the festivals, and it is only logical that we use synergies to position ourselves even better on the market.”

 


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All Things Live Finland hires Zachris Sundell

All Things Live has hired Zachris Sundell as senior promoter of its Finnish operation, effective 1 March.

Sundell’s previous roles include head promoter of Live Nation Finland and senior promoter at Warner Music Live Finland.

The appointment comes after All Things Live Finland named Jan Streng development director at the beginning of November.

Streng previously worked as executive vice president of the Finnish Comedy Theatre and in various management positions at Sony Music record label.

“I am very happy to have solid and experienced professionals in my team,” says Toni Peiju, CEO of All Things Live Finland. “The addition of Zachris and Jan will really help and gain an even larger market share in Finland.”

“The addition of Zachris and Jan will really help and gain an even larger market share in Finland”

Sundell adds: “It’s great to start as a senior promoter in a growing international company. I am eager to join in growing and strengthening All Things Live’s business.”

All Things Live Group was founded in 2019 by six Scandinavian companies, which represent more than 500 artists and produce more than 8,000 events annually.

In addition to Helsinki, the group currently has offices in Oslo, Stockholm, Malmö, Brussels, Milan, Dubai, Antwerp, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

In addition to promoting international artists such as Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones and Rammstein, All Things Live Finland specialises in rock and metal, working with acts including Nightwish, Beast In Black, Sonata Arctica and this year’s Emma-nominated Bloodred.

 


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Finnish biz slams proposed VAT increase on tickets

Finland’s live music associations are sounding the alarm over a proposed increase in VAT on concert tickets.

Under the government’s new budget proposal, value-added tax on tickets for cultural and sports events will rise from 10% to 14% from 1 January 2025.

Trade bodies have called the hike “unreasonable” and have warned that the proposal should not be implemented under any circumstances.

Jenna Lahtinen, executive director of the live music benefit organisation LiveFIN, points out that the industry is still recovering from the losses sustained during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Festivals, concert venues and the entire event industry have just completed their first full year of operation,” she says. “The industry does not need any decisions that weaken growth and profitability right now. An increase in the VAT on entrance tickets would be a hard blow to the industry.”

“The festival sector simply cannot stand it”

Laura Haarala, executive director of the Association of Finnish Program Agencies and Agents, adds: “The increase in the costs of the events industry has been very strong since the coronavirus. Costs have risen considerably higher than the general level of inflation. This has already affected the profitability of the companies in the industry, despite moderate ticket price increases. The increase in value added tax will increase the pressure on price increases or weaken the profitability of program sales.”

Sami Kerman, CEO of the Event Industry Association, says the proposed increase will “inevitably affect demand for events”.

“When Finland is already in recession and the uncertain situation of companies is reflected in the cyclically sensitive event industry, especially corporate events, it would be especially important to take care of the demand for consumer events,” says Kerman. “If we are going to stick to the VAT increase, decisions are needed to stimulate demand accordingly.”

While Kai Amberla, executive director of Finland Festivals, has warned that the festival sector industry “simply cannot stand” the hike.

“The Corona era showed how important festivals and other cultural events are for people,” says Amerblia. “After the pandemic, the economy of art and culture festivals has been faced with huge challenges, but with strict financial management and very moderate ticket price increases, we have been able to get back on the path to growth. It is completely irresponsible that at the same time cultural policy subsidies are being cut with a heavy hand, there is a proposed to increase the value added tax on admission tickets.”

The associations are hoping the government will revoke the decision in the framework rush of spring 2024.

 


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CTS Eventim’s Lippupiste announces new CEO

Finland’s largest ticketing provider, Lippupiste, has named Juhana Stenbäck as CEO.

Stenbäck will report to Alexander Ruoff, COO on the CTS Eventim management board.

His predecessor, Ari Palhamo, will step down as CEO on 31 January but will remain a member of Lippupiste’s board of directors.

Palhamo became CEO of Lippupiste in 2005. Under his leadership, the company grew to become the leader in Finland’s ticketing market. Palhamo also oversaw the 2008 acquisition of Lippupiste by CTS Eventim and remained at the head of the company for another 16 years.

Stenbäck has been part of the Lippupiste management as COO since 2020. An accomplished manager and financial expert with 14 years of experience in the ticketing business, his previous positions included roles at L’Oreal Finland and Deloitte & Touche.

Alexander Ruoff, COO, CTS Eventim says: “I’d like to thank Ari for his exceptional collaboration over the past 16 years and for our many shared successes. I’m delighted that he will be staying with us as a member of the Board of Directors. To Juhana, I say congratulations on the promotion. I’m certain that his experience and skills will allow him to successfully continue Ari’s work while also putting his own stamp on the company. I’m looking forward to continuing our collaboration and wish Juhana and his team all the very best.”

“Over the past 18 years, we have grown into a market leader in Finland”

Ari Palhamo, CEO, Lippupiste adds: “We started as an independent company, Lippupiste, in 2005. That’s when we separated from Elisa Finland. Today, we have Lippupiste employees working in four locations: Tampere, Helsinki, Turku and Lahti. Over the past 18 years, we have grown into a market leader in Finland, as a ticketing partner for cultural, sports and live entertainment events, as well as a partner for venues and arenas.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering trust shown to us by event organisers and consumers. I’m extremely grateful for this trust. I can’t think of a better time to hand over the responsibility of Lippupiste to Juhana. He is motivated, energetic and very experienced in our industry. I have full confidence that the company will become even stronger from now on.”

Juhana Stenbäck, CEO-elect, Lippupiste: “I want to thank Ari, who has managed Lippupiste successfully for all these years. His leadership has played a significant role in shaping our company into what it is today. I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead Lippupiste. Our outlook for the future is bright, and I look forward to working with our talented teams as we continue to develop and deliver innovative solutions to our promoter clients and customers.”

CTS Eventim-owned Lippupiste is Finland’s largest ticketing company. Promoters, venues and fans use its services across more than 30,000 events each year. The web platform lippu.fi is Finland’s most successful ticketing shop with over 20 million visits per year.

 


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Finland’s live industry body elects new chair, board

Finland’s live music association has unveiled a new chair, board and strategy for the years 2024 to 2026.

The Event Industry Association (Tapahtumateollisuus) was launched during the pandemic and incorporated many major Finnish concert businesses, including Fullsteam Agency, Live Nation Finland, Warner Music Live and CTS Eventim’s Lippupiste.

It was announced last week that the new chairman of the association is Olli-Poika Parviainen, mayor of Hämeenlinna, a city in southern Finland.

Kalle Marttinen, who is on leave from the Finnish Football Federation, will continue as vice president of the event industry.

The new board includes Mirkka Rautala (Live Nation Finland), Tuomo Tähtinen (Fullsteam Agency), Jenna Lahtinen (LiveFIN), Jarno Uusitalo (Creative Technology Finland), Janne Auvinen (Hämeenlinna Verkatehdas) and Teemu Balk (Securitas Events).

“I recognise the strong common interests of cities and the industry and the broad societal importance of event ecosystems”

Plus, Juho Hiidenmaa (Management Event Studios), Anu Kauppi (Olympic Committee), Terttu Keskinen-Rönkkö (Stop Tents), Mirva Merimaa (Ticket), Sari Mikkonen-Mannila (Omnipress), Marja Pekkanen (Turu Exhibition Center) and Perttu Pesä (City of Tampere).

The Event Industry Association also announced a new strategy for the years 2024-26, which is centred on bringing together industry players, representing event industry players and increasing the number of members.

The body also wants to continue dialogue with decision-makers, authorities and other players so that legislation, regulation and their interpretations are appropriate from the point of view of organising events.

“It’s great to be able to support the development of a wonderful growth industry and to continue the important work of taking the industry into account in decision-making,” says chairman Olli-Poika Parviainen. “As the mayor of Hämeenlinna and through my previous work history, I recognise the strong common interests of cities and the industry and the broad societal importance of event ecosystems. The event industry and cities have many places where we can further strengthen cooperation.”


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Anna Sjölund trades Live Nation for ASM Global

ASM Global has appointed Anna Sjölund as European programming director, with a focus on the growth of the business in the Nordics region.

The industry stalwart joins the venue management giant from Live Nation Sweden, where she has risen through the ranks over 24 years.

In her new role, Sjölund will be based out of ASM’s Stockholm office and tasked with curating content at venues including Friends Arena, Tele2 Arena, Avicii Arena, Södra Teatern and Kulttuuritalo, as well as offering support in the rest of Europe.

While leading the Swedish programming team, she will support the individual venues and regional content teams to deliver and develop “a truly world-class and unrivalled calendar of unmissable live entertainment content”.

Marie Lindqvist, senior vice president of operations in Europe for ASM Global, says: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Anna to the ASM Global team. Anna is highly experienced, widely respected, and comes with a vast network within the industry, especially in the Nordics. I have worked with Anna in various capacities for more than 15 years, so I can confidently say she shares the same passion for growing the footprint of amazing live events in Sweden, and the rest of the Nordic region. Anna is a brilliant new addition to our best-in-class team and I look forward to working with her as we look to a bright future in Sweden and the Nordics.”

“Knowing that Anna was the promoter of your show meant total confidence that every possible aspect of the event was fully covered”

Brian Celler, senior vice president content and programming for UK & Europe at ASM Global, adds: “Let’s be entirely honest, Anna joining the ASM Global European programming team is nothing short of seismic. She is a world-class executive, held in the highest esteem by her colleagues, agents, managers, and artists globally. Knowing that Anna was the promoter of your show meant total confidence that every possible aspect of the event was fully covered. We are beyond thrilled to be part of Anna’s next progression in her career and her integral role in the expanding ASM Global venue portfolio in Europe.”

Sjölund joined Thomas Johansson’s EMA Telstar (now Live Nation Sweden) as a production assistant in 2000, and rapidly rose through the ranks. She has served as VP operations, Live Nation Central and Eastern Europe 2010-2013, and led the touring and festival business at Live Nation Sweden for more than 10 years. Most recently, she served in a global role as SVP Touring International.

Sjölund has established herself as one of Europe’s premier promoters with an unrivalled network in Sweden and the Nordics, promoting hundreds of arena and stadium shows in the region with world-class acts, as well as bringing international festival Lollapalooza to Stockholm in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

She is a longstanding promoter of the NHL Global Series in Sweden, Finland, Czech Rep and Germany – successfully filling Stockholm with 52,000 hockey fans from all over the world this season alone. As a result, Stockholm has had 16 regular season NHL games since 2008 – more than twice as many as any other city outside of North America.

Sjölund says: “During my 24 years with the great Thomas Johansson and the team at Live Nation Sweden I have worked incredibly close with the ASM Global venues here, and have had the fortune to be a part of hundreds of incredible events there – to now continue to develop and expand that business in the European region is something I’m really looking forward to. I joined forces with Marie Lindqvist to gather the Swedish event industry during the pandemic years, and have tremendous respect for her leadership and strategic work, and am excited to continue that partnership and our shared passion for live entertainment on a daily basis.”

 


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Finnish arena could be seized under new sanctions

A new package of EU sanctions on Moscow could pave the way for the Finnish authorities to seize the Russian-owned former Hartwall Arena in Helsinki.

The 15,500-cap venue has been owned by Arena Events Oy (AEO) – a company co-founded by oligarchs Gennady Timchenko and Roman Rotenberg – since 2013, but shuttered in early 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

All of Timchenko’s holdings in the European Union (EU) have been frozen, while Rotenberg’s family is the target of US sanctions for their close ties with Vladimir Putin.

The 12th package of EU sanctions will be decided in December. According to a new report by Finnish News Agency STT, via The Insider, individuals who are subject to sanctions could be given the opportunity to sell their frozen assets, although the proceeds of the sale would remain frozen. The assets would be confiscated if they refuse to sell.

STT reports that property can be expropriated in cases of “public need”, with the owner of the property receiving compensation. Although, again, the funds would be frozen in the case of the arena.

“At the moment, the interests of the owners are to promote trade. And there are plenty of buyers”

In September this year, Timchenko’s Finnish case manager Kai Paananen told Helsingin Sanomat that the sale of the venue was being negotiated.

“During the past year, there have certainly been moments when the negotiations for the sale of the arena have not progressed, but now the situation is different,” said Paananen. “Of course, the current owners of the arena ultimately decide whether they will sell their shares or not. There is currently no certainty about this, but as said, at the moment, the interests of the owners are to promote trade. And there are plenty of buyers.”

Beverage giant Hartwall ended its 25-year association with the building – since renamed Helsinki Halli – last year due to its Russian ownership.

Finnish publication Ilta Sanomat notes that the city of Helsinki is losing more than €100 million per year due to the closure, with Tampere’s 15,000-cap Nokia Arena taking over as the country’s leading events venue.

Earlier this year, Finland’s Flow Festival also ended its brand partnership with Heineken Silver due to the lager firm’s operations in Russia.

 


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Live Nation Finland appoints agency head

Live Nation Finland has appointed Annika Oksanen to head the company’s booking agency for domestic artists, effective January 1 2024.

Oksanen has been working for Live Nation Finland as an agent and promoter since 2017.

Other milestones in a career that began at former Helsinki nightclub Nosturi include stints at various Finnish festivals; ticketing company Tiketti; and as Cat Power’s personal assistant.

She was named Agent of the Year by Music & Media in 2021 and was honoured with the Top 20 under 30 award in 2018, handed out by the Nordic network of music export agencies, Nomex.

“Annika is a top performer who is respected inside and outside the house”

Oksanen will be working alongside fellow agents Elsa De Campos, Valter Filosof, Matti Kaunisvesi, Miska Nipuli, and Jukka Varmo at Live Nation Finland’s booking agency, which represents Anna Puu, Samu Haber, Anssi Kela, Pate Mustajärvi, Olavi Uusivirta and international names regularly touring abroad, such as ALMA, Insomnium, Poets of the Fall.

“It felt like the right moment to take on this new challenge and role,” says Annika Oksanen. “I have a vision for how we will take Live Nation’s domestic representation and expertise forward in partnership with artists and their teams. We want to build long-term artist careers, and I believe that this is best achieved through smooth collaboration between labels, management and live.”

Tomi Saarinen, CEO of Live Nation Finland, adds: “Annika is a top performer who is respected inside and outside the house. She conveys a caring attitude. She gets things done with a good swing. This is a great opportunity for her and all our partners.”

 


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ASM Global continues Nordics expansion

Venue management giant ASM Global has announced three new appointments as it continues its expansion in the Nordics.

Tobias Ekman has joined the company as general manager for four arenas in the Stockholm Globe District, including the 15,000-cap Avicii Arena and 30,000-cap Tele2 Arena, and Michael Yngvesson is named GM of the 50,000-cap Friends Arena in Stockholm, while David Laturnus comes on board in the newly-created role of F&B director Nordics.

Ekman and Yngvesson start with ASM in January 2024, with Laturnus taking up his position in April.

“I’m delighted to welcome three such highly-experienced and widely-respected industry leaders to the ASM Global team as we enter a period of business growth in the Nordic region,” says Marie Lindqvist, ASM’s SVP operations Europe. “This is an important market for us, and since expanding further into Finland just this year, it’s an exciting time with a series of major projects in the pipeline including the redevelopment of Avicii Arena and Annexet, new naming rights partners, our move to bring F&B in house, the development of new content and of course along the way, further elevating the fan experience.”

Ekman, who is currently CEO of artist and promoter agency Jubel, will oversee the Avicii Arena through its full-year closure in 2024, during which it will undergo a complete renovation, set for reopening in January 2025. He has previously served in senior commercial roles for Live Nation in Sweden and the US.

ASM Global currently operates eight arenas, stadium and theatres in Sweden and Finland

As well as serving as GM of Sweden’s national stadium, the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Yngvesson will also continue as operations director for ASM in the Nordics. Yngvesson joined the firm around a year ago, and has held a number of senior positions in sales and operations across multiple industries. Concerts lined up at the venue in 2024 include Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Melodifestivalen.

Elsewhere, Laturnus, who has been brought in as F&B director Nordics, has worked in most of Stockholm’s arenas and stadiums, most recently as MD of F&B operator Five Moments. He will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of F&B operations in the region.

ASM Global currently operates eight arenas, stadium and theatres in Sweden and Finland, and further expansion in the region is anticipated. The entered Finland this year as part of its development in the Nordics to take on operations at the Kulttuuritalo, as well as exploring the future development of the Hanasaari power plant area, Hanasaaren Voimala, in Finland.

Last week, premium experiences specialist Legends confirmed its long-rumoured acquisition of ASM, subject to regulatory approval.

 


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Fullsteam Agency announces new head promoter

Finland’s Fullsteam Agency has upped longtime employee Aino-Maria Paasivirta to head promoter, effective 1 January 2024.

Founder and previous head promoter Rauha Kyyrö will continue working at Fullsteam and parent company FKP Scorpio with both local and international artists. Kyyrö will also continue in her role as the chair of Fullsteam Agency.

Paasivirta started at the company in 2015 and has for the past six years worked as a promoter on shows including Ed Sheeran, Sigur Rós and Nick Cave.

She has also been a key member of the Provinssi booking team since 2016, and this year took responsibility for the festival’s programming and booking.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to get to further develop Fullsteam’s promoter business,” says Paasivirta. “We have an amazing team filled with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. I couldn’t imagine a better team to work with!”

“I couldn’t imagine a better team to work with”

Fullsteam Agency has also announced the appointment of Emma Rühr, who joins the company this week from AEG Presents in London.

Rühr has worked as a tour coordinator for many years and has most recently worked on the tours of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Blackpink.

“Live music is very close to my heart and working on international tours taught me and gave me a lot,” says Rühr.

“I wanted to return to Finland and I feel that Fullsteam is exactly the place where I can grow and face new challenges as part of a wonderful and skilled team. I am excited to bring the lessons of both my international and Finnish career to my new role.”

Fullsteam Agency represents around a hundred domestic acts such as JVG, KUUMAA, Joalin and Stam1na, and organises festivals including Provinssi, Sideways and Knotfest Finland. Since 2015, Fullsteam has been part of FKP Scorpio.

 


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