Ville Koivisto named festival director of Provinssi
Finland’s Fullsteam Agency has appointed Ville Koivisto festival director of Provinssi, effective 1 September.
In addition, the Fullsteam and Provinssi ranks will be strengthened by partnership manager Tuomas Kallio from 4 September.
Koivisto started selling tickets for Provinssi as a volunteer in 2009, before being appointed production manager in 2017.
Awarded event producer of the year at the 2018 Industry Awards, Koivisto has worked at numerous other festivals besides Provinssi, such as Sideways, Ilosaarirock and Rockfestari Naamoi.
Koivisto has also influenced numerous large-scale productions, such as Cheek’s Valot sammuu concerts (2018), Ed Sheeran’s Malmi Airport concerts (2019) and last summer’s Helsinki Olympiastadion gigs (Haloo Helsinki!, Apulanta, Ed Sheeran, Antti Tuisku).
In addition to this summer’s Provinssi, Koivisto works with Finnish rap duo JVG, who are due to perform at the Olympic Stadium in August.
“I am really grateful to Provinssi for the opportunity and trust to learn and grow in the management of the production of the event,” says Koivisto.
“It’s time to focus on making the best festival in the world from a slightly different angle”
“Starting in the fall, it’s time to focus on making the best festival in the world from a slightly different angle, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead!”
Kallio boasts a 15-year career in B2B sales, marketing and business development in various media houses – most recently Radio Helsinki – and also as an entrepreneur.
“It is wonderful to return to the fascinating and multidimensional world of events,” says Kallio. “What makes all of this wonderfully special is that I get to work every day with many top professionals I already know.”
Tuomo Tähtinen, CEO of Fullsteam Agency, adds: “Even when viewed internationally, Ville is one of the most competent event industry professionals I know, so I am extremely happy that we will be able to build the future of the Provinssi together with him.
“I believe that the transition to the position of festival director will be very natural for Ville, as he already enjoys the trust of the staff and the industry. We have successfully collaborated with Tuomaks on partnerships in the past. He brings a lot of new know-how and energy to the house, as well as tools for us to be able to build even more successful partnerships around Fullsteam’s entire operation.”
The two appointments come a few weeks after the agency announced a reshuffle. Marko Kivelä will swap his position as CEO of Fullsteam’s Provinssi festival for an agent/promoter role within the company from 1 September, it was announced.
Meanwhile, Aino-Maria Paasivirta, former assistant to Fullsteam founder Rauha Kyyrö, will take responsibility for Provinssi’s programming and booking.
Provinssi festival returns to Seinäjoki in Southern Ostrobothnia, western Finland, between 29 June to 1 July.
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AEG names Lynsey Wollaston VP and GM, European festivals
AEG Europe has appointed Lynsey Wollaston as vice president and general manager of its European festivals division.
Wollaston brings 16 years of experience years of commercial and operations experience to oversee the European Festival team’s day-to-day operations and play a key role in developing and supporting the strategic vision for the division alongside the US AEG Presents senior leadership team, according to the company.
She will work across AEG’s renowned roster of festivals, including American Express Presents BST Hyde Park and Luno Presents All Points East in London, Rock en Seine in Paris, and AEG’s newest festival, Bristol-based Forwards.
“I look forward to working with Jim and the team to take the festival division to new heights”
Prior to joining AEG, Wollaston held the role of managing director of festivals and events at Vision Nine Group and previously served as the global operations director at IMG (Arts, Entertainment and Culinary) and operations manager for the Royal Horticultural Society.
“We are delighted to have Lynsey join us as the new vice president and general manager for European Festivals,” says AEG European Festivals CEO, Jim King. “With her extensive industry leadership and experience, Lynsey brings huge value to our team. As we gear up for the busy festival season ahead, I look forward to working with Lynsey to deliver the best-in-class events for which we are renowned, and to growing the festivals division of the business.”
Wollaston adds: “I am incredibly excited to join AEG Europe and help lead the European Festivals team in delivering memorable events for music fans. With AEG’s reputation for innovation and excellence, I look forward to working with Jim and the team to take the festival division to new heights.”
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CTS Eventim ups Karsten Elbrecht to CCO
CTS Eventim has promoted Karsten Elbrecht to chief commercial officer of ticketing in Germany.
Elbrecht has worked at the pan-European ticketing giant, promoter and venue operator for more than a decade.
In his new role, Elbrecht will act as a coordinator and a driving force with responsibility for ensuring effective collaboration with German promoters, per a press release.
Elbrecht will act as a coordinator and a driving force with responsibility for ensuring effective collaboration with German promoters
He will be working together with colleagues to expand the German ticketing business.
His primary tasks will include establishing efficient internal structures and sharpening the customer focus in one of CTS Eventim’s core markets.
CTS says Elbrecht has extensive experience in the ticketing industry, which will enable him to provide fresh impetus to boost business performance.
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Primary Talent hires veteran agent Peter Nash
Primary Talent International has hired Peter Nash as a partner, effectively immediately.
New York-based Nash is the eighth partner to join Primary Talent since it regained independence from CAA last month.
The veteran agent joined ICM from WME in 2020, the year ICM acquired Primary Talent. He worked closely with the Primary Talent team until the CAA acquisition in June 2022.
Nash brings with him a roster that includes Kings of Leon, Pet Shop Boys, Regina Spektor, Steve Winwood, and Travis.
“He will be a wellspring of guidance and support to our expanding roster of agents and clients”
“Pete’s joining the Primary family is tremendous news for the agency as a whole,” says Matt Bates, managing partner and CEO of Primary Talent International. “He brings with him a huge amount of experience as a leading international music agent. In his new role as a Primary Talent partner, he will be a wellspring of guidance and support to our expanding roster of agents and clients.”
Nash adds: “ICM’s acquisition of Primary Talent in March 2020 was the major factor in my decision to join ICM later that same year. Working alongside the exceptional Primary team during the pandemic and the challenging relaunch of the live music industry turned out to be greatly beneficial to my clients. I am delighted to be working with them again and joining their leadership team.”
Primary Talent International boasts a roster of nearly 460 clients including The 1975, The Cure, Lana Del Rey, Noel Gallagher, Jack Harlow, alt-J, Dropkick Murphys, and Patti Smith Imanbek, Mitski, Rina Sawayama, Two Door Cinema Club, Wolf Alice, and Ziggy Marley.
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New president for The Entertainment Agents’ Association
Paul Winteridge from Exeter-based entertainment agency Vern Allen Group has been appointed president of The Entertainment Agents’ Association, succeeding Bob James who steps down after a two-year stint.
Winteridge has worked in the entertainment industry for 37 years, spending 18 years as a performer and the last 19 years as an agent and personal manager, representing talent in theatre, television and variety.
In 2009 he became managing director of Vern Allen Group and now heads up a team of talent agents and creatives that works on delivering events for both UK and European clients.
“My agency has been a member of The Entertainment Agents’ Association since 1995 and I have been a member of the council of management since 2018,” says Winteridge.
“I will be working hard on membership support, education and engagement”
“I see the hard work that goes into supporting our members and I am grateful to Bob James for all he’s done during his tenure. It is with pride and excitement that I take on the role of president in what continues to be a difficult time for live entertainment. I will be working hard on membership support, education and engagement with an ambition to grow a more diverse membership.”
He adds: “We have a seat at the table of LIVE UK and I am keen to connect with other associations and industry professionals to work together more cohesively for the benefit of our members and the talent they represent. Knowing the strength of expertise of my fellow councillors gives me great confidence in leading the association and taking it forward for the next two years.”
The Entertainment Agents’ Association has 227 members from all areas of live performance, including contemporary music, theatre, television, circus, cruise and holiday park entertainment.
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Ticketmaster UK welcomes back Dan Pearce
Ticketmaster has welcomed back Dan Pearce as SVP of client development.
Pearce returns to Ticketmaster after a four-year hiatus leading the Virgin Experience Days Consumer division.
Prior to that, Pearce was the MD of Ticketmaster Resale where he led the successful launch of our Fan-to-Fan Ticket Exchange, before moving to lead Ticketmaster’s international marketing division.
Pearce also brings with him a UK theatre pedigree as the previous managing director of West End Theatre Bookings.
“I couldn’t stay away! Thrilled to be returning to join such a talented team that already has such momentum”
“Dan’s knowledge of Ticketmaster and this industry is unrivalled, bringing with him the rare ability to wholly hit the ground running,” says Andrew Parsons, MD, Ticketmaster UK. “I am confident Dan will quickly deliver results for our clients, drive value for our partners and lead this exemplary team’s continued success.”
Pearce adds: “I couldn’t stay away! Thrilled to be returning to join such a talented team that already has such momentum. I’m looking forward to working with established and new clients alike to capitalise on exciting recent developments in technology and maximising Ticketmaster’s unrivalled marketing tools and reach.”
The appointment news comes off the back of Alex Berti stepping up into the VP, client development role with a focus on the ever-increasing attractions and immersive sectors, and Rebecca Lott taking on the senior director – strategic accounts role to support clients in achieving their goals.
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FORM hires promoter Louisa Robinson
FORM, the JV of independent UK promoters Rockfeedback and One Inch Badge in collaboration with Kilimanjaro, has hired Louisa Robinson as a promoter.
Robinson originally joined One Inch Badge as an office assistant and with experience as a venue booker at grassroots venues like Guildford Boileroom.
“We set out in Feb 2020 to create something a little different in our sector, and despite the unprecedented halt of the pandemic, we’ve been really pleased with what we’ve already achieved so far,” says directors Dan Monsell & Alex Murray.
“We want to look to try and embody and support the next generation in our industry”
“We want to look to try and embody and support the next generation in our industry, and as we look to grow we’re delighted to be looking to do this with Louisa, who is very much this.”
Robinson’s promotion coincides with the removal of the previous Rockfeedback and One Inch Badge brands as the company becomes one unified set-up of FORM, after 18 months under the initial incarnation.
Highlights from FORM’s first operational 18 months include the launch of Pitchfork Festival London, Mutations festival Brighton and spotlight shows from the likes of Bicep, Flume, Glass Animals, Future Islands and UK tours from acts including Billy Nomates, Nation of Language, Johnny Flynn, Let’s Eat Grandma and Pussy Riot.
In addition, a special arts council-backed project saw FORM launch a record label and recording projects for artists from under-represented backgrounds.
Earlier this month, FORM announced Weyes Blood as the first headliner for Pitchfork Festival 2023. FORM launched Pitchfork Festival London in its first operational months – bringing the event to the UK for the first time. Pitchfork Festival runs at London’s Hammersmith Apollo and other venues yet to be announced from 8-13 November.
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UTA hires Brian Hill, Jaime Roberts
UTA has hired Brian Hill as music agent and Jaime Roberts as tour marketing director, both of whom will be joining the Nashville, US, office.
“We are excited to have Brian and Jaime join us at UTA as we continue to expand and elevate the music department,” says Scott Clayton, co-head of global music. “Their decades of experience and stellar track record of going above and beyond for their clients make them perfect additions to our world-class team in Nashville.”
Hill began his career in 1991 after graduating from the University of California, Irvine. Over the course of his 30-year career, he has worked at major agencies including Monterey Peninsula Artists/Paradigm and CAA.
Additionally, Hill is a two-time winner of Pollstar’s “Third Coast Agent of The Year” Award and was featured in an executive profile on the cover of the magazine. He has worked with many popular country acts including Eli Young Band, Aaron Lewis, Frankie Ballard and Home Free, among others.
“Their decades of experience and stellar track record of going above and beyond for their clients make them perfect additions”
Originally from New York, Roberts began her career in live entertainment promoting live tour family entertainment experiences with Feld Entertainment. She spent the next 12 years overseeing marketing and promotions at both Live Nation and The Bowery Presents for shows across the New York and New Jersey areas.
Most recently, Roberts spent seven years in Austin, Texas, where she developed and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns for major touring artists with Messina Touring Group. She led successful tour marketing efforts for artists including Shawn Mendes, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Little Big Town, and Kelly Clarkson.
UTA’s roster of music artists includes Post Malone, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Cardi B, deadmau5, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, YG, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Marshmello, Bebe Rexha, The Pussycat Dolls, Common, Offset, Lil Wayne, Burna Boy, Halsey, Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Paramore, Machine Gun Kelly and James Blake.
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Finland’s live association appoints Sami Kerman as CEO
Finland’s Event Industry Association (Tapahtumateollisuus) has appointed Sami Kerman as CEO, effective 16 January 2023.
In his new role, he will be responsible for the organisation’s advocacy and influence work, as well as managing its operations and finances.
Founded during the pandemic, Events Industry Association’s members include more than 260 companies and organisations in the event industry.
Kerman joints the organisation from the Finnish Fire Protection Association where he was communications and public relations manager.
He has also worked as a special assistant to the minister of the interior Maria Ohisalo from 2019 to 2021, and has a master’s degree in production economics.
“The event industry needs its own growth programme in Finland and the operating conditions of the industry must be improved”
“Kermani has versatile social networks and strong political decision-making skills,” says Pekka Timonen, chairman of the board of the Event Industry Association. “He gets to start in a situation where the industry is making a strong return to its pre-corona growth career.”
“The event industry needs its own growth programme in Finland and the operating conditions of the industry must be improved. We need effective and long-term advocacy because the importance of the sector as a factor in employment and tax revenues is still not sufficiently understood.”
Kerman adds: “It is extremely exciting to get involved in building the success story of the event industry. The events have a huge significance not only for the economy and employment but also for people’s social well-being. The corona restrictions have been overcome, but there is a lot of work to be done in the development of labour availability and industry legislation, as well as in establishing and strengthening the position of the industry association.”
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88rising hires Sameen Singh as chief strategy officer
88rising, the Asian-American music powerhouse behind Head in the Clouds festival, has announced the appointment of Sameen Singh as chief strategy officer & chief digital officer.
In his new role, Singh will spearhead 88rising’s global strategy, orchestrate partnerships, power digital business development, and shepherd inorganic growth, according to a release.
Additionally, he will lead the cultivation and execution of strategic initiatives and commercial innovation, facilitating 88rising’s growth and evolution as a next-generation media and music company.
Singh will be based in Los Angeles and will report directly to CEO and founder Sean Miyashiro.
“The company that Sean has built is truly ahead of its time in the way it speaks to its audience and empowers its artists”
“I’ve been a day one fan of 88rising so it’s wonderfully thrilling and gratifying to now be a part of it,” says Singh. “I’m excited to help drive 88rising’s ability to be a multi-dimensional music powerhouse connecting culture forward. The company that Sean has built is truly ahead of its time in the way it speaks to its audience and empowers its artists. I look forward to continuing to push the envelope through creative innovation and risk-taking.”
Singh’s previous roles include chief strategy officer at music technology company Create Music Group and director of strategy and operations at pan-European live entertainment giant Superstruct.
He launched his career on Wall Street as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley before becoming an investor at private equity behemoth Providence Equity Partners, which backs Superstruct.
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