Gary Roden has been appointed as general manager and executive director at Manchester’s Co-op Live, to spearhead vision and strategy at the UK’s largest live entertainment arena. Roden joins Co-op Live following over eight years at Ticketmaster UK, most recently as senior vice president client development and commercial.
Roden will take charge of the strategic and operational delivery of Co-op Live, a joint venture between Oak View Group (OVG) and City Football Group (CFG). The arena will have a capacity of 23,500 fans and play host to over 120 shows annually at Manchester’s Etihad Campus.
“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 ground-breaking arena for the UK, but one that will see Manchester firmly leading the way globally,” said Roden, who will lead a team of eight.
Future Development
As well as pledging to support Manchester City Council’s target of becoming net zero carbon by 2038, the venue will donate at least £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation to support local and national initiatives focused on young people, food security, education and sustainability.
OVG co-chair Jessica Koravos commented, “ 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.”
