Christopher BarrettOak View Group (OVG) has hired Simon Hanna as senior vice president of operations.
Hanna, who joins from Freemans Event Partners where he was COO since 2023, has more that 15 years of strategic leadership experience in global hospitality, live events, and venue operations.
A member of the Institute of Hospitality, Hanna has worked on the delivery of large-scale events including the Paris Olympics 2024 and the Rome Ryder Cup 2023. OVG said he will oversee the operational delivery of its expanding portfolio of live entertainment venues and focus on elevating fan experience, driving commercial performance and leading innovation across the business.
Hanna will work closely with OVG International executive vice president of venue management Rebecca Kane Burton and senior vice president hospitality strategy Michalis Fragkiadakis at the global operation overseeing venues including Manchester’s Co-op Live arena (cap. 23,500).
“It’s a privilege to be joining OVG at such an exciting point in its international growth,” he said. “I’ve always been passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, and I’m thrilled to be part of a business that puts innovation, hospitality and the fan journey at the very heart of everything it does.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Simon to the team,” said Fragkiadakis. “His deep operational expertise and hands-on leadership style will be instrumental as we scale our presence internationally, invest in our hospitality offering, and continue to redefine what fans and partners expect from live entertainment venues.”