Christopher BarrettOak View Group (OVG) has launched a dedicated division focused on expanding the company’s global stadium business.
It said OVG Stadia brings together industry leading stadium experts throughout the company to act as strategic partners in all regions globally. It is headed by Chris Wright, the former GM at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
OVG Stadia will work to expand the company’s stadium roster internationally, which includes Wembley Stadium, St. Andrew’s at Knighthead Park, and Murrayfield Stadium.
Wright is leading a team of stadium experts to plan, develop, design, build, sell and operate stadiums. The team includes former The O2 arena MD and The FA COO Mark Donnelly. As EVP, venues and operations, at OVG International he will oversee arena and stadium development and partnership opportunities in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Gary Hutchinson, whose extensive experience includes being the commercial director at Sunderland AFC, will be responsible for content development and strategic partnerships internationally as OVG’s VP booking & commercial partnerships. The OVG Stadia team will report to Greg O’Dell, president of venue management at OVG360.
OVG Stadia’s roster of stadium clients in the US includes Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
Oak View Group International president Jessica Koravos said, “The growth in stadium development across the world is remarkable and we’re excited to be leading the charge with big projects, new markets and a dedicated team of experts to offer vision and experience for our clients and partners.”