Christopher BarrettOak View Group (OVG), the venue management company behind the development of the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live arena in Manchester, has lured Gary Roden from Ticketmaster to take on the role of executive director and general manager of the venue.
The former SVP client development and commercial at Ticketmaster UK joins OVG this week to lead an eight-strong executive team and oversee Co-op Live’s management during the opening period and beyond.
Prior to joining Ticketmaster in 2014, Roden had worked as general manager for venues including Edinburgh Playhouse and Bristol Hippodrome before being appointed MD at Parkwood Theatres.
Roden said he was delighted to join Co-op Live, a joint venture between OVG and City Football Group, which is expected to host more than 120 shows per year: “I can’t wait to get started, working with OVG, City Football Group, key stakeholders and partners to launch what is not only set to be a ground breaking arena for the UK, but one that will see Manchester firmly leading the way globally.”
OVG International co-chair Jessica Koravos said, “Gary Roden’s experience speaks for itself, and we’re thrilled to have him join an already phenomenal team of exceptional industry leaders, and to continue to drive Oak View Group and City Football Group’s joint vision to deliver world leading, planet friendly, entertainment.”
OVG, which is working with Glastonbury Festival and Coldplay sustainability consultants Hope Solutions to develop its net-zero strategy, said that as well as pledging to support Manchester City Council’s target of becoming net zero carbon by 2038, Co-op Live will donate at least £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation to support local and national initiatives focused on young people, food security, education and sustainability.