Faces + Places
GUY DUNSTAN
Co-op Live announced that UK arena veteran Guy Dunstan will become general manager and senior vice president of the Manchester, England, arena effective Oct. 21. Dunstan’s appointment follows Rebecca Kane Burton’s time as interim general manager, a role she held since April 2024, after former general manager Gary Roden had abruptly left. Burton was named executive vice president of venue management for OVG International, where she will lead OVG’s international business development strategy for its facilities, sports, entertainment, and hospitality divisions. Dunstan has over 25 years of experience in the live arena industry, joining Co-op Live from the NEC Group, where he was responsible for Resorts World Arena and Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, as managing director of arenas for four years. He also spent 13 years with the National Arenas Association.
ADAM WRIGHT
Former Sony exec Adam Wright has been named CFO and managing partner at Breakaway, which among its operations produces Breakaway Music Festivals and other events in more than 10 cities. In the new role, Wright will drive strategic initiatives, corporate development, brand expansion and overall financial operations for Breakaway. Wright recently served as vice president of corporate development and M&A at Sony Corporation. Along with expanding into 10 markets in 2024, Breakaway has launched new divisions, opened new offices and says it has doubled revenue year over year. Wright joins Breakaway after most recently leading his own investment and advisory firm. During his time at Sony, Wright’s transactions included the acquisition of EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV’s buyout of the Estate of Michael Jackson, and Sony Music Japan’s strategic investment and partnership in Peanuts Holdings, according to the announcement.
EMILY SCERRI
Nashville-based concert promoter Outback Presents announced the promotion of Emily Scerri to vice president of entertainment strategy. In her new role, Scerri will continue to expand Outback Presents’ footprint in the live entertainment space and drive the success of the promotion company’s special events and music initiatives. She will work alongside co-CEO Mike Smardak and the company’s board of directors. Scerri previously held the title of Director of Touring. She is based in Outback’s Nashville office.
ARIC STEINBERG
Nonprofit charity Sweet Relief Musicians Fund announced Sept. 26 that Aric Steinberg has officially been promoted to executive director, effective immediately. He previously served as executive vice president of development and artist relations. The nonprofit organization, which was founded by singer-songwriter Victoria Williams in 1994, provides financial assistance to career musicians and music industry workers in need who are facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers and songwriters from across the U.S., as well as road crew, agents, managers and many others. Grants can be used for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.
ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS—MLSE
Canadian media conglomerate Rogers Communications is buying out competitor Bell Canada Enterprises’ 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for $3.5 billion, giving it 75% ownership and controlling interest. The two competing telecommunications giants had been equal owners for a dozen years. The deal is expected to close in mid-2025. MLSE owns the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, NBA’s Toronto Raptors, CFL’s Toronto Argonauts, MLS’s Toronto FC and AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Its assets also include Scotiabank Arena, the 19,800-capacity multi-purpose venue that hosts dozens of concerts throughout the year and where the Leafs and Raptors play. Rogers already owns the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays and the stadium Rogers Centre, as well as the country’s No. 1 sports television channel, Sportsnet.
ELEVATE—ZINC
Elevate has acquired Zinc Agency, a producer of more than 1,000 corporate events annually tied to a client roster of 200-plus Fortune 500 companies. The purchase price was not disclosed. Zinc, whose clients include SAP, PNC Bank and Cigna, was founded in 2018 by Will Steinberg and Zach Yabroff. The purchase marks the start of Elevate Experiences, upgrading the company’s hospitality group servicing the U.S. Open, Circuit of the Americas, F1 US Grand Prix, the PGA Tour, NASCAR, FIFA World Cup and multiple college sports conferences.
