Ticketmaster reveals leadership changes, senior appointments

Ticketmaster has promoted managing director Maria O’Connor to chairperson, while former CEO of the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) Gavin Taylor takes over as managing director.

These are part of an array of changes announced by the Live Nation-owned company.

O’Connor joined Ticketmaster in 1983 when the company operated by the Victorian Government.

Over more than three decades at the company – and 28 years as managing director – O’Connor played an integral part in shaping the ticketing industry in the region.

As chairperson, she will continue looking after long-term industry relationships and look for opportunities to grow Ticketmaster’s business in the region.

“Under the leadership of O’Connor, Ticketmaster Australia and New Zealand has thrived and become the region’s leading ticketing company,” Ticketmaster’s global president Mark Yovich said

“O’Connor’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the ticketing and live event industries will continue to be an invaluable asset to our senior leadership team.”

Serving as CEO of the WAFC since 2016 and general manager at Perth Stadium Management, Taylor has extensive experience in live entertainment, events and ticketing that spans 15 years.

Yovich added: “Gavin is a welcome addition to the Ticketmaster family – his impressive track record of success will undoubtedly have a great impact on our business.

“At such a crucial time for us, Gavin’s knowledge and experience will help guide our teams on the road back to live, while remaining focused on growth and leadership within the industry.”

Taylor said of his new role: “I’ll be focused on supporting the business and the wider live entertainment industry in Australia as we forge the path to reopening.

“Ticketmaster will play such an important part in reconnecting venues and artists with their loyal fans, and I look forward to playing a part in supporting and delivering these fan experiences.”

Taylor will wrap up his WAFC duties on November 12, and then move to Melbourne to kick off the new role in early January.

There were additional senior executive promotions within the business.

Jim Kotsonis, who joined in 2001 and served as finance and operations director moves to the newly created position of executive vice president of Ticketmaster ANZ.

Justin Pule, who began his career at Ticketmaster New Zealand in 2007 and has been running the business since 2010, will now serve officially as managing director of Ticketmaster New Zealand.

Harley Evans, who joined the business in February 2019 after Ticketmaster bought out his Moshtix business, continues as managing director of Moshtix Australia and New Zealand servicing the General Admission sector.

Taylor, Pule and Evans report to Kotsonis in the new structure.

Susie Kyrou, formally of ad-tech giant Rokt, has been appointed to the new role of general manager of data and insights at Ticketmaster ANZ

Kyrou will be responsible for the rollout of Ticketmaster’s local data and insights division.

And Moshtix has appointed Anjelica Devoe, formerly of All Blacks Tours and Ticketmaster, to head of business development to drive operations in New Zealand, based in Auckland.