Georg Leitner to step down as GLP chief

GLP founder Georg Leitner has announced he is stepping down as CEO as part of a shake-up at the Austrian booking agency.

The longstanding ILMC member will be succeeded as chief executive by Harald Buechel from 1 January 2025, but will remain as shareholder and chair of the company.

“Before joining GLP more than 10 years ago, Harald served as CEO of BMG Austria and, with his wealth of experience both from the label as well as the live side, Harald has the best prerequisites to guide the company into the next years,” says Leitner in a statement to IQ.

Launched in Vienna in 1979, GLP (Georg Leitner Productions) acts as an international artist agency, promoter and management firm, and has overseen tours by artists such as James Brown, Ray Charles, The Jacksons, 50 Cent and UB40.

“By Harald taking charge of the GLP operations, I will be able to focus on laying the groundwork for GLP to enter into new areas,” says Leitner.

“We are looking forward to further develop and grow GLP for the years to come”

GLP has also enlisted experienced EDM agent Lina Kotzian from Titan Management to expand its DJ/EDM roster, as well as integrating her networks GLP’s existing infrastructure for crossover opportunities.

In addition, it has launched a new division, GLP Exclusive, helmed by VIP event expert Eva Lex-Huszar, as a one-stop shop delivering turn-key artist solutions for event organisers, wedding planners, corporate marketing and more.

Elsewhere, GLP’s youngest agent, Lenny Mayer-Mallenau, is tasked with focusing on K-pop, and is preparing K-Pop & Beyond, the ultimate K-Pop Experience European tour set for November 2025.

“With [agent/office manage] Anna Kallina and Harald Buechel and the amazing team at GLP, we are looking forward to further develop and grow GLP for the years to come,” adds Leitner.

A market report on Austria will feature in the next issue of IQ Magazine, which comes out later this month.

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