Movers & Shakers: DEAG, MVT, AXS

In the newest compilation of movers and shakers, IQ highlights news from DEAG, Music Venue Trust (MVT), AXS, United Nations, Power of Music consortium, Proactiv Asia and Live Music Now Scotland.

Berlin-based live entertainment giant DEAG has announced the return of Lutz Grotehöfer as executive vice president of operations.

In his new role, he will work closely with Detlef Kornett (chairman of the DEAG executive board, group CEO/international business affairs) and Christian Diekmann (member of the DEAG executive board, CEO national/COO).

In addition to operational and structural issues of the company, Grotehöfer will address strategic issues in the face of a dynamically changing and growing DEAG and live entertainment industry.

Grotehöfer was an executive board member for DEAG between 2014–2017.

AEG-owned ticketing company AXS has made three hires in Europe and Asia

Elsewhere, Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity for grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced six new patrons.

Joining MVT’s existing list of patrons are acclaimed musician Kate Nash, MP for Brighton Pavilion Sian Berry, CAA agent Summer Marshall, Scottish Music Industry Association’s Robert Kilpatrick, FOCUS Wales co-founder Neal Thompson, Co-founder, and artist and independent label manager Colin Newman.

These new patrons join musicians including Sir Paul McCartney, Nova Twins, Frank Turner and Tim Burgess, broadcasters who include Steve Lamacq MBE and Gemma Bradley, and patrons from industry and politics including Sony Music’s Jason Iley, John Whittingdale MP and Kerry McCarthy MP.

AEG-owned ticketing company AXS, meanwhile, has made three hires in Europe and Asia.

Motoki Ishikawa has been named managing director of AXS Japan, which was established in 2019.

Michael Kill has been appointed as United Nations Representative

Ishikawa joins from Dentsu, Japan’s largest integrated communications conglomerate, where he held senior management roles as CEO Dentsu Sports America, GM Rugby World Cup 2019 (VIP Hospitality and Venue Production), GM Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020 (Sports Presentation).

In the UK, the ticketing firm’s new appointments include Nick Griffith, director of business development, and Sam Ricketts, head of business development and artist services.

Michael Kill, VP of the International Nightlife Association (INA) and CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) UK, has been appointed as United Nations Representative on behalf of the INA as it gains Consultative Status through the UN’s Economic And Social Council.

With this status, the INA will have the opportunity to participate in UN events and debates, present written statements, collaborate with other NGOs and UN agencies, and contribute to discussions on critical topics such as economic development, social inclusion, cultural impact, and responsible entertainment.

Meanwhile, Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy CEO Sandra Schembri has been appointed as the new Power of Music Consortium Chair. She replaces UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl in the role after UK Music chaired the Consortium since its inception in 2022.

Judith Anderson has been appointed CEO of Live Music Now Scotland

Elsewhere, Blake Tatroe has been named head of Asia at Proactiv Entertainment, a producer and promoter of large-scale shows, international exhibitions and music concerts.

Tatroe has held a number of senior roles across Asia Pacific live entertainment, most recently serving as international director at Michael Cassel Group in Singapore.

Between 2019-21 Tatroe was senior director, live event marketing at the ONE Championship, following an 11-year stint at Feld Entertainment, where he ascended to become managing tour director.

Finally, Judith Anderson has been appointed CEO of Live Music Now Scotland, succeeding Carol Main, who has led the organisation since it was founded in 1984.

Anderson joins the charity – which works in schools, hospitals, care homes and hospices supporting emerging artists – from the Scottish arts and early years organisation, Starcatchers, where she was head of development and operations.

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