MSG targets live expansion with new EVP

Darren Pfeffer has joined the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) in the newly created position of executive vice-president of MSG Live.

Pfeffer joins MSG after more than two decades at iHeartMedia, where he most recently served as senior VP of music and entertainment marketing, and is tasked with “setting the strategic direction” for MSG’s Live unit, which encompasses the company’s promotion, festivals and venues businesses.

“With the overarching goal of maximising the utilisation of the company’s venues and delivering top tier talent, Pfeffer will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for MSG’s bookings, which includes exploring opportunities to develop new signature events, artist residencies and unique experiences for MSG’s customers,” reads a statement from MSG. “In addition, he will play a key role in the future success of MSG’s venue expansion strategy, including the company’s plans to build a groundbreaking new venue in Las Vegas.

“Other priorities will consist of daily oversight of financial and operational matters, identifying and building key strategic relationships and working with colleagues across the company to create marketing and sales plans.

Pfeffer (pictured) will report directly to MSG president and CEO David O’Connor.

“Pfeffer’s relationships and experience developing compelling programming will serve us well as we remain focused on growing our live event business”

Madison Square Garden Company’s venues are the Madison Square Garden itself (21,000-cap.), The Theater at Madison Square Garden (5,600-cap.), Radio City Music Hall (6,015-cap.) and the Beacon Theatre (2,894-cap.), all in New York; The Forum (17,500-cap.) in Los Angeles; the Chicago Theatre (3,600-cap.) and the Wang Theatre (3,500-cap.) in Boston, Massachusetts.

Its also promotes the Boston Calling festival through Boston Calling Events, which it acquired last July.

“Darren has spent more than 20 years in entertainment, overseeing some of the industry’s most popular events and creating opportunities to leverage talent,” comments O’Connor. “His relationships, along with his experience developing compelling programming, will serve us well as we remain focused on growing our live event business by exploring new and better ways to utilise our world-class portfolio of venues.

“We look forward to having him as part of our leadership team as we continue to build on MSG’s outstanding tradition of delivering unique and exceptional live experiences.”

Pfeffer adds: “The Madison Square Garden Company is peerless in its portfolio of iconic venues, world-class partners and access to top-tier performers and events. I am thrilled to join the team, and look forward to not only continuing to grow the live event business, but to providing unforgettable experiences for MSG’s customers and partners.”

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