New year brings a wave of senior promotions for Ticketing & Arenas

NEC Group Ticketing & Arenas has announced its new senior commercial team, following a strong end to Q3 for the business.

Responsible for the programming of the world-class entertainment venues Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena, the team also leads on business for the Group’s premium hospitality provider, Amplify, and national ticket agency, The Ticket Factory.

Spearheaded by Commercial Director of NEC Group Ticketing and Arenas, Andy Price, the new-look team incorporates three internal promotions and provides a wealth of commercial experience across ticketing, live events, broadcast and media publishing.

Price said: “Despite the ongoing challenges our industry faces, performance has been extremely positive for the commercial division this year, most notably with The Ticket Factory who have had an extremely busy year. As we look to drive future growth, it’s important we harness the experience we already have in the business and I'm excited to see its impact on revenues as we move into the new year.”

Ben Sharman takes his new position as Head of Venue Programming for NEC Group Ticketing and Arenas, after an incredibly strong track record of bringing major live events to the business, including the star-studded Concert for Ukraine that was delivered with just three weeks’ notice last March. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “2022 was an incredible year for us as a team, from playing our part in hosting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to securing multiple dates for Peter Kay. I’m extremely proud to step into this new role, taking on the responsibility for implementing the new venue programming strategy across our two world-class arenas.”

Stepping up to Ticketing Director, Noel Edwards – who began his career answering phones in the box office in 2002 – will be responsible for establishing The Ticket Factory as one of the UK’s leading ticketing agents. He said: “As well as delivering amazing events across the Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to reinvigorate our box office, which offers the biggest selection of tickets for unmissable live events in the West Midlands and ticketing services for others across the UK. We are now more data led and insight focused and have developed our creative for how we present The Ticket Factory brand. I look forward to helping propel us to new heights.”

Gareth Coleman will continue in his role as Ticketing General Manager and Nicky Burgess who was appointed as Head of Sales (Premium & Groups) last year, will further cement the senior team moving into 2023.