By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Bruce Eskowitz, Live Nation’s former CEO of North American Music, announced this week he’s left the live music giant to join Premier Exhibitions as president and CEO, a position he will begin on October 1.
Jason Garner, formerly Live Nation’s president of North American Concerts, has been named CEO of North American Music and will continue to report to Michael Rapino.
Eskowitz’s relocation is only the latest move in what’s been an eventful summer at Live Nation, following news of some layoffs to members of the sales staff, the beginning of the end for the relationship between Live Nation and Ticketmaster and its negotiations with Madonna for an unprecedented total services contract.
At Live Nation, Eskowitz was responsible for concert promotion, venue management and sponsorship/alliances, and he also oversaw the management and expansion of Live Nation’s recently acquired House of Blues clubs division. In addition, he also ran the company’s ongoing expansion of its venue portfolio into the small and midsize level sectors. . .
Previously, Eskowitz was Live Nation’s president and CEO — Global Venues and Alliances; president of Clear Channel Entertainment Properties; president of Clear Channel Entertainment National Sales and Marketing; president of PACE Communications; and senior vice president at Bates Worldwide and Campbell Mithun Esty.
For Premier Exhibitions, the move marks the second high-profile hiring in the past week. Brad Bryant was recently hired by the company as vice president of marketing. Premier Exhibitions is a provider of museum-quality touring exhibitions throughout the world, including “Bodies…The Exhibition.”
“After a thorough search, we have concluded that Bruce possesses the right blend of seasoned leadership, strategic skills, and international experience to navigate our industry’s challenges and capitalize on its opportunities,” Arnie Geller, Premier’s chairman, said in a statement. “Well-qualified with a proven track record in a highly competitive industry, Bruce has demonstrated an ability to master the competitive pressures of today’s marketplace with innovation and an unwavering focus.”
“I look forward to bringing my complementary strengths to Premier’s highly talented leadership team,” Eskowitz said in prepared statement. “I have high admiration for the people of Premier Exhibitions and look forward to expanding on the Company’s success as the worldwide leader in touring exhibitions.”
Geller will assume the newly created executive position as chairman. He will manage and oversee the strategic direction of the company and continue to serve as a director as well as maintain his current position as chairman of the Board.
