AXS | Vice President, Artist Relations - Nashville

AXS

General Manager, Stadiums & Arenas
Nashville, TN

Reports to SVP, COO & CEO


Background:

AXS, a subsidiary of AEG, connects fans with the artists and teams they love. As a global leader in ticketing, AXS powers access to the world’s most iconic venues, sports teams, festivals, and global tours, while delivering cutting-edge technology and unmatched service to more than 1,300 of the most recognized names in sports and entertainment across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Since their founding in 2011, they have consistently pushed the industry forward and improved experiences for fans, making it easier than ever to discover events, find the perfect seats, and enjoy unforgettable live entertainment.

Each year, they sell millions of tickets to thousands of incredible events for over 500 premier venues, sports teams, and event organizers. Clients include the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Crypto arena, USGA, First Avenue, Houston Rockets, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, The O2, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Japan’s B.League. Through its primary and secondary marketplaces and proprietary AXS Mobile ID technology, AXS provides a seamless and secure experience for ticket discovery, purchase, and management. Building on this foundation, AXS continues to lead the evolution of the ticketing industry, driven by a deep passion for elevating the fan journey and delivering transformative solutions to its clients. 

Headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, California, AXS employs more than 500 professionals in multiple locations worldwide. In each location, you'll find a team of dedicated, diverse employees who create groundbreaking products and services in a fun, fast-paced environment. The company invests deeply in its talent, believing that varied perspectives make the organization wiser and its work stronger. AXS celebrates challenge and seeks out individuals who are driven, curious, and ready to rethink what’s possible. As a collective of achievers and innovators, the team is united by a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion, and impact—nurturing solutions that meet the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse global audience.

AXS is on a mission to help more fans roar for encores, wave foam fingers from the stands, and jump to their feet for standing ovations. That mission starts with talented, passionate, and forward-thinking people eager to shape live entertainment's future.

 

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting AXS will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

 

Position Summary: 

The General Manager of Stadiums & Arenas will play a pivotal leadership role in driving the success of multiple venues, blending operational excellence with a deep understanding of the live entertainment and hospitality industries. The GM will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive the success of AXS’s Stadiums and Arenas Business Unit across North America. This executive role is responsible for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and revenue growth, ensuring the seamless execution of all client contracts while optimizing costs, maximizing profitability, and elevating the brand's reputation in the market. This high-impact position requires a dynamic leader who can effectively manage cross-functional teams and ensure the seamless delivery of world-class events and services.

The GM’s key responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of venue operations, with a sharp focus on driving excellence in account management, client services, sales, marketing, and ticketing strategy execution. The GM will plan, implement, and innovate ticketing products and services across the entire event lifecycle. From pre-event strategy to post-event analysis, the GM will lead the charge in enhancing the guest experience, improving operational efficiency, and maximizing revenue generation. They will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure flawless execution of events while achieving and exceeding financial targets. Additionally, the GM will leverage a deep understanding of the local market to tailor offerings and capitalize on emerging trends, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving guest experience. With a strong focus on team leadership, the GM will lead by influence, cultivating a culture of excellence among staff while maintaining a hands-on presence on the ground to ensure seamless operations.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong business acumen, a passion for the live events industry, and the ability to influence and inspire teams at all levels. The GM will also be instrumental in maintaining strong relationships with clients, artists, promoters, and other key partners, ensuring the venue’s offerings remain competitive and aligned with market trends.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a long-term Stadiums & Arenas strategy with the participation of senior management.

  • Oversee multiple disciplines within the Stadiums & Arenas business unit, including Account Management, Client Services, and Ticketing Strategy, while managing each budget, ensuring resource allocation aligns with business objectives, and driving operational efficiency to meet financial targets and deliver exceptional results.

  • Provide direction and oversight for Stadiums & Arenas leadership staff. Ensure the delivery of contract deliverables and business growth for clients while seeking integrated, efficient, and effective inter-departmental processes.

  • Guide the Stadiums & Arenas strategy for AXS by improving Account Management, Client Services, Sales, Marketing, Implementation, and Ticketing Strategy to maximize client satisfaction while protecting AXS business interests. Provide oversight to the business unit and correct course when needed.

  • Drive the hiring process to attract top-tier talent, and provide senior leadership in developing and mentoring staff, fostering a culture of continuous growth, high performance, and alignment with business goals.

  • Collaborate closely with the Sales team to ensure alignment on signing and renewing clients with profitable deal structures, while actively generating and providing valuable leads to drive business growth.

  • Negotiate high-impact financial deals with venues and promoters, while actively contributing to pitch meetings alongside the Sales team to secure key partnerships and drive growth.

  • Serve as a spokesperson for AXS at industry conferences, festivals, and networking events, championing the company’s vision, fostering relationships, and driving brand recognition in key markets.

  • Other duties as assigned by the SVP, COO, and/or CEO.

Qualifications, Skills, and Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field required;  an advanced degree preferred.

  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in the planning, execution, and management of live events within stadiums and arenas, including concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, and other entertainment programs.

  • Minimum 6 years of experience developing and managing senior staff, ensuring proper staffing of departments, overseeing the hiring process, and facilitating employee growth and development.

  • Minimum 6+ years of experience managing multi-million-dollar stadium and arena operations budgets, including revenue generation, cost control, and financial forecasting.

  • Experience overseeing ticketing operations, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization for events within stadiums and arenas.

  • Experience negotiating contracts and agreements to enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation.

  • Working knowledge and experience with key aspects of the event planning process with agents, promoters, venues, and ticketing.

  • Proven success in senior management working for a promoter, agent, venue, ticketing company, or related business.

  • Proven leadership qualities and organizational skills; ability to manage and motivate sales staff to achieve departmental and organizational goals.

  • Established relationships with venues, agents, managers, and promoters.

  • Superior written, verbal, organizational, and negotiating skills; creative conceptualization.

  • Extremely well-organized with the ability to multitask effectively and work under extremely tight deadlines.

  • A strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, dynamic teams and personalities.

  • Ability and willingness to work long hours and travel, including weekends and holidays as needed.

  • Demonstrated success in negotiating complex financial deals with venues and promoters, actively participating in pitch meetings with the Sales team to secure profitable deal structures.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the live event industry, including industry trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies.

  • Proficiency in financial analysis, budget planning, and resource allocation to optimize financial performance

  • Ability to adapt strategies to address evolving industry dynamics and market trends, actively involving senior management in the strategic planning process.

  • Proven ability to inspire and mentor a diverse team of professionals within the live event domain.

Benefits & Compensation:

  • $300,000 + bonus

TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment: 

At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.  

TurnkeyZRG’S Practice Leader:

Tom Truitt - Managing Director, Music & Live Entertainment

Tom Truitt is the Managing Director and Head of TurnkeyZRG’s Music & Live Entertainment practice. Based in Nashville, Mr. Truitt has long been recognized as the music industry’s top talent recruiter. He focuses on C-Level, EVP, SVP, VP and Mid-Level business and creative roles in all facets of the music and live entertainment business, including: content, licensing, recording, publishing, production, venue & facility management, artist relations, revenue, marketing, communications, data, technology, and many more.