Bodie steps up as COO at Oak View Group

Article posted by Coliseum, December 14^th, 2023

Image: Oak View Group

Global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, Oak View Group (OVG), has appointed Francesca Bodie as chief operating officer (COO).

Forbes said Brodie has extensive experience within OVG, as a tenacious executive who has been an asset helping the company’s explosive growth.

In the newly established position, OVG said Bodie’s role will increase from capital development, mergers and acquisitions to a focus on new revenue streams including overseeing all day-to-day operations for OVG globally, as well as leading OVG’s executive committee.

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Bodie’s promotion comes as OVG announces a major strategic investment in Family Entertainment Holdings (FEH), as well as newly announced Navarro’s activations in partnership with Christian Navarro, which is installing premium wine and spirits lounges in OVG venues globally.

In addition to her ongoing responsibility for capital investment strategy and mergers and acquisitions, Bodie will lead the company in building processes across human resources, finance, legal, and marketing. Based in Denver, Bodie will report to OVG chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke.

Leiweke said, “2023 was a pivotal year for Oak View Group across its service business and owned and operated portfolio. OVG is the only company in history to build and open seven brand-new state-of-the-art venues within 18 months, and Francesca contributed greatly to that growth and success. As we look to the future, we’re honoured to have Francesca as OVG’s first COO to nurture and mature our current businesses and spearhead our next phase of growth in 2024 and beyond.”

Bodie is leading upcoming OVG development projects including the new $10 billion arena and live entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV, featuring an 850,000sqft NBA-ready arena, a casino, a hotel, and an additional amphitheatre to host concerts, sports events, family entertainment, conventions, and award shows; a new arena in São Paulo, BZ; renovation of the FirstOntario Centre Arena in Hamilton, ON; and the $365 million Co-op Live in Manchester.

Bodie said, “I am honored to lead and work alongside my exceptional team members that have worked tirelessly and passionately since OVG’s inception. Together, we’ve steadily developed Oak View Group into a world-class brand that resonates with fans, artists, and venue and sports professionals.

“With today’s announcement, we are continuing our focus on elevating all guests’ experiences through premium offerings and content at all OVG venues and those of our partners as well. I’m proud to be a part of a company that is passionate about continually raising industry standards and exceeding guest expectations to reshape the live entertainment experience.”

Additionally, Bodie was responsible for sourcing and executing OVG’s acquisition of hospitality provider Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.

Forbes further stated that as venues are looking to attract patrons who seek a full experience, Bodie understands this opportunity.

As live events become more expensive, venues are filling with ever more affluent consumers who have discretionary funds and are willing to invest them into experiences. Those who attend events are inside the building until they leave. The more attractive the options, the more likely the venue operator can capture incremental profits.

OVG is looking at how to enhance the experience for their patrons. Bodie is very well versed in how to elevate the experience within their venues beyond more comfortable seats, better sight lines or cleaner sound. She and the OVG team understand that success comes from innovation, Forbes added.

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