Oak View Group appoints new senior VP of operations

Oak View Group (OVG) has appointed Simon Hanna as its new senior vice president of operations.

Hanna joins the company from Freemans Event Partners where he was COO, bringing over 15 years of experience in global hospitality, live events and venue operations.

In his new role he will oversee the operational delivery of OVG’s expanding portfolio of world-class live entertainment venues combining commercial acumen with operational excellence.

He will work closely with Rebecca Kane Burton, executive vice president of venue management for OVG International and Michalis Fragkiadakis, senior vice president of hospitality strategy for OVG International.

He has a track record of delivering large-scale operations for landmark events such as Formula 1, the Paris Olympics 2024 and the Rome Ryder Cup 2023, as well as working at iconic venues including Wembley and Lord’s.

Hanna said: “It’s a privilege to be joining OVG at such an exciting point in its international growth. I’ve always been passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, and I’m thrilled to be part of a business that puts innovation, hospitality and the fan journey at the very heart of everything it does.”

Fragkiadakis added: “We’re delighted to welcome Simon to the team. His deep operational expertise and hands-on leadership style will be instrumental as we scale our presence internationally, invest in our hospitality offering, and continue to redefine what fans and partners expect from live entertainment venues.”

Earlier this year, City Football Group (CFG) and Oak View Group (OVG) announced the launch of Eastlands Venue Services, a new joint venture through which OVG now manages all hospitality services exclusively across the Etihad Campus.

In 2023, OVG acquired luxury hospitality group Rhubarb Hospitality Collection responsible for venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Sky Garden, Frameless and The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate.