New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Strongly positioning itself for continued growth in global live touring, AEG Presents, one of the largest live music companies in the world, announced today that it is expanding its touring operations under the leadership of industry veteran Gary Gersh. Gersh, who has been promoted to President AEG Presents Global Touring and Talent, will oversee all aspects of AEG Presents' worldwide touring operations and talent relations.
The company also announced that veteran industry executive Rich Schaefer will be joining the new Global Touring division as Sr. Vice President, Global Touring and Rich Holtzman would be joining as Sr. Vice President of Artist Development and Marketing.
"Global Touring has always been at the core of AEG Presents, and with the increase in the number of artists who have developed global fan bases, it was clear we needed to further develop this critical division," said Jay Marciano, Chairman & CEO, AEG Presents. "Gary's extensive background as an accomplished label president, artist manager and touring executive made him the obvious choice to spearhead the expansion of our touring division. His plan to centralize tour operations to more closely align with our growing international network of touring producers will further establish AEG as a leader in global touring."
In addition to Schaefer and Holtzman, rounding out the senior management team for the new Global Touring division are long-time AEG Presents executives Larry Vallon, Executive Vice President; Debra Rathwell, Senior Vice President; Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President;
Bobby Reynolds, Senior Vice President; and Cody Lauzier, Vice President/General Manager of Global Touring.
"Throughout my career, my passion has always been in artist development, as well as building the teams necessary to execute on their unique vision," said Gersh, President AEG Presents Global Touring and Talent. "Live entertainment is an interesting conversation for artists and audiences alike these days as it continues to grow and morph quickly. Working closely with Jay and the entire AEG team over these past years has been an incredible experience, and I am very excited by all of the opportunities that lie ahead as we assemble the best global touring team at this time of incredible opportunity."
Based in New York, Schaefer most recently was co-founder/partner of LoyalT Management, where he helped to guide the careers of performers including Chromeo, Lord Huron, Animal Collective,
Sigrid and
Aurora to name a few. While with The Artists Organization, he worked with John Legend, Lenny Kravitz,
Soundgarden and
Tears For Fears amongst others.
Having made a career in artist development, Holtzman has worked closely with many artists, most notably, guiding the career of
Portugal. The Man over the past 12 years. Holtzman has spent years as a senior executive at the most pioneering independent record labels and most recently served as an executive at StubHub, where he changed their music agenda to work more closely with artists and their teams. He will be based in Los Angeles.
"I am also thrilled to be working with Rich and Rich again and look forward to their contributions within the group," added Gersh. "Our time together at The Artists Organization proved what a great team we can be, and I am confident this will continue in our new roles."
AEG Presents also announced several current employees will be transitioning into the new Global Touring division including
Nicole Neal, who has been promoted to VP of Marketing, and Jonny Shuman, Global Talent Buyer, who worked most recently for AEG
Presets Rocky Mountains and will now be an L.A.-based talent buyer. Additionally, Global Talent Buyers Rob Owens, Elliot Lefkowitz and Casey McCabe will now work within the Global Touring division along with
Lindsay Dworman, who has been promoted to Touring Coordinator.
Well respected brands including Goldenvoice, Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents will continue to operate separately, as part of AEG Presents.
About AEG Presents
AEG Presents is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents operates in North America,
Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours, which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber,
Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney; produce or support over 40 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley
Music & Arts Festival; and owns, manages or books more than 100 clubs and theaters. AEG Presents produces and promotes more than 12,000 shows annually worldwide and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents.
