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Oak View Group launches dedicated stadium division

Venue management giant Oak View Group (OVG) has announced the launch of a dedicated division focused on its global stadium business.

OVG Stadia will bring together stadium experts throughout the company to act as strategic partners in all regions globally.

Led by newly appointed president Chris Wright, who was formerly GM of Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the new division will build on OVG’s US stadium portfolio, which includes Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, among others.

Joining Wright is EVP Greg Desharnai and Samantha Johnson, who will serve as the SVP of sales. The OVG Stadia team will report to Greg O’Dell, president, venue management, OVG360. OVG Stadia will also expand the company’s stadium roster internationally.

“The depth and breadth of stadium experience that Chris Wright and his team at OVG Stadia bring presents an exciting opportunity”

“The depth and breadth of stadium experience that Chris Wright and his team at OVG Stadia bring, presents an exciting opportunity for Oak View Group as we continue to expand our services and further strengthen our cohort of experts, covering every area of the venue development and management business,” says O’Dell. “Our focus is on providing the greatest benefit to our clients and partners as we grow our teams to drive innovation, thought leadership and the highest standards.”

In addition to Wright, Desharnais and Johnson, OVG Stadia will bring together executives: Mark Donnelly (EVP, venues and operations, OVG International); Ela Greatorex, (VP, venue development); Gary Hutchinson (VP, booking & commercial partnerships, OVG International and MD Chrysalis Leisure Management), DeLayne Martin, (director of business development) and Anja Marcusiu (business development manager).

“The growth in stadium development across the world is remarkable and we’re excited to be leading the charge with big projects, new markets and a dedicated team of experts to offer vision and experience for our clients and partners,” adds Jessica Koravos, president, Oak View Group International.

 


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US appointments: OVG360 and MSG Sphere name presidents

Oak View Group has named Gregory O’Dell as president of venue management at the company’s newly rebranded facilities division, OVG360.

O’Dell will oversee venue operations for more than 230 properties that OVG owns and/or operates globally, including stadiums and arenas, state fairgrounds, performing arts centres and convention centres.

His responsibilities will include setting a strategy to strengthen venue staples like sustainability efforts, booking and content development, premium and sponsorship sales, public safety and public health, and parking and transportation.

The live events veteran joins OVG from Events DC, where he was president and CEO since 2009 and oversaw three business lines (conventions and meetings, sports and entertainment, special events).

O’Dell is due to start his role in April and will be based in DC and Philadelphia, reporting to OVG360 CEO Chris Granger.

O’Dell will oversee venue operations for more than 230 properties that OVG owns and/or operates globally

Elsewhere, Lucas Watson, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of global experience accelerating growth and building brands, will join the MSG Sphere as president, effective 28 March.

In the new position, Watson will lead the strategy and execution of all business aspects of MSG Sphere and the company’s planned state-of-the-art venues.

The first MSG Sphere venue, MSG Sphere at The Venetian, is currently under construction in Las Vegas and is scheduled to open in the second half of calendar 2023.

Watson will oversee the global development of the MSG Sphere brand, including selectively extending the MSG Sphere network to other markets.

He will be based in Burbank, CA and report to James Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer, MSG Entertainment.

Watson most recently served as SVP commercial operations at Cruise, where he was responsible for leading the development of the commercial strategy and go-to-market operations plan for the self-driving car technology company.

 


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