Martinazzoli to steer forward Arena Milano

Article posted by Coliseum, January 31^st, 2025

Image: David Chipperfield Architects

The leading international ticketing and live entertainment company CTS EVENTIM has appointed Luca Martinazzoli as the Managing Director (MD) of Arena Milano in Milan (Italy) effective January 1^st, 2025.

‘markets.ft.com’ stated that in the above capacity he is responsible for operational management, business development and positioning the venue as Italy’s leading cultural and entertainment destination. He is now focusing on building a strong and capable team to drive the arena’s success. Luca Martinazzoli reports to Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, head honcho of CTS EVENTIM.

Bremen (Germany)-based CTS EVENTIM is a leading international ticketing and live entertainment company. Over 300 million tickets per year are marketed using the company’s systems – through physical box offices and mobile/online portals. In addition, CTS EVENTIM operates some of Europe’s most renowned venues.

‘markets.ft.com’ further stated that located in Milan (Italy), a City celebrated for its dynamic cultural and economic landscape, the Arena Milano is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. The venue will host the ice hockey competitions during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 with concerts and major events commencing in Spring 2026. Designed to meet the highest standards of international live entertainment and sports the arena will redefine the experience for the audiences and the performers alike.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and also known as the Milano Cortina 2026, is an upcoming international multisport event scheduled to take place from February 6^th-22^nd, 2026 in three regions with the Italian Cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the main hosts.

Martinazzoli brings extensive leadership experience across globally renowned organizations. He served as the General Manager (GM) at Milano & Partners, the Municipality’s destination agency of the City of Milano, where he enhanced the City’s global reputation as a destination for tourists, large events, talents, startups, and foreign direct investments. Prior to this, he was the Head of City Marketing for the Municipality of Milan. His career also includes a decade at Nike (American athletic footwear and apparel corporation) where he held senior roles such as the Category Brand Director Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) South and Football Brand Director EMEA. Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy at the New Guards Group overseeing operations for the Off-White and Reebok EU (the Off-White is a luxury fashion brand while Reebok EU is a European division of the athletic shoe company Reebok).

Martinazzoli holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a degree in Economics for Arts, Culture and Communication from the Università Bocconi (private university in Milan, Italy).

Commented Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CTS EVENTIM, “We are delighted to welcome Luca Martinazzoli to lead Arena Milano at such an exciting time. His proven expertise in branding, strategic planning and cultural promotion coupled with his deep understanding of Milan’s unique identity positions him perfectly to guide the arena’s growth. Together, we look forward to shaping a venue that will set new standards for live entertainment and sports both in Italy and beyond.”

Added Martinazzoli, “It is a privilege to lead the Arena Milano during this transformative period and to contribute to the renewal of the City with a project that offers an incomparable entertainment experience not only to its inhabitants but also to people from across Italy, Europe and the world. With Milan as a global hub of culture and innovation the arena presents a unique opportunity to inspire the audiences and attract world-class events. I am excited to begin assembling a talented team and working together to create an unparalleled experience for visitors from around the world.”

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