Live Nation UK president Paul Latham to step down

Paul Latham, the longtime president of Live Nation UK and the company’s COO, international, has announced his retirement.

Latham’s live music industry career began in September 1984, when he joined Apollo Leisure Group – then a “six-venue, small-time operator” – as assistant manager of the Apollo Theatre Oxford (1,800-cap.)  on his 24th birthday.

By the time Apollo Leisure was sold to Live Nation forerunner SFX Entertainment in 1999 – at which time Latham became VP of operations – the company was one of the UK’s leading venue operators, with some 80 properties in its portfolio.

SFX was later sold to Clear Channel, and in 2005 spun off to form Live Nation, with Latham (pictured) as its UK president. He became chief operating officer of Live Nation’s international operations in 2009.

“Paul’s many achievements over the years speak for themselves”

Latham is also the chairman of the industry association UK Live Music Group, which represents the interests of Britain’s live music business, and of youth charity Creative and Cultural Skills.

“It has been my pleasure to know and work with my good friend Paul Latham for 28 years,” Denis Desmond, Live Nation’s UK and Ireland chairman, tells Music Week, whose latest print edition includes a double-page Live Nation advert thanking Latham for “an incredible 34 years”.

“Paul’s many achievements over the years speak for themselves, not only in the commercial world but also the charities he has tirelessly helped. Wishing Paul every happiness on his retirement.”

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