Featured Image: Co-op Live’s Gary Roden
Co-op Live has appointed former Ticketmaster executive Gary Roden as executive director and general manager of the 23,500-capacity venue, which is set to open later this year.
Roden spent eight years at Ticketmaster UK and was most recently the senior vice-president of client development and commercial. In his new role, Roden will oversee the operation of the UK’s largest entertainment arena, aiding the venue’s future vision and strategy.
Co-op Live is a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group (CFG). The arena is set to host more than 120 shows each year and is located at Manchester’s Etihad Campus.
In October last year, OVG revealed details about its ‘smart bowl’ design that took inspiration from artist Harry Styles, who is also a private investor in the project.
Roden said: “I am delighted to be joining Co-op Live, leading the team in Manchester to launch and operate a game-changing arena experience for both fans and artists. I can’t wait to get started, working with Oak View Group, City Football Group, key stakeholders and partners to launch what is not only set to be a groundbreaking arena for the UK, but one that will see Manchester firmly leading the way globally.”
Co-op Live is also aiming to be the most sustainable and socially responsible arena in the UK. As well as pledging to support Manchester City Council’s target of becoming net zero carbon by 2038, the venue is set to donate at least £1m (€1.1m/$1.2m) annually to the Co-op Foundation to support local and national initiatives.
Jessica Koravos, co-chair of Oak View Group International, added: “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.”
Share this