VETERAN AMES HEADS TO TICKETMASTER

As we rumored last week, Roger Ames is the new Chief Executive Officer International for Ticketmaster, based in the company's London offices.

The music vet will oversee the company’s operations in 19 global markets outside of the U.S., as well as the office cricket team.

The announcement was made by Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff.

“Roger is a widely respected industry leader and a superb addition to this company,” he said. “His vast experience and acumen will play an instrumental role in strengthening our core international business and helping to identify and drive future growth.”

Ames said of his appointment: “The opportunities at Ticketmaster are as exciting as they are challenging. The competitive nature of the entertainment industry means that we need to innovate and stay focused on serving our clients and customers with the best the artist has to offer. I am looking forward to working with the teams outside of the U.S. in order to achieve this. And now, I can’t get you good seats to the Bruce Springsteen show.”

Previous to his position at Ticketmaster, Ames was the head of EMI Group, North America overseeing the company’s music operations in the U.S. and Canada, including their Capitol, Virgin and Blue Note labels.

Previous to his post at EMI, he served as Chairman/CEO of Warner Music Group. Ames began his career in the music industry with EMI UK in 1975 and in 1991 was appointed Chairman/CEO of PolyGram UK, responsible for the company’s UK and Ireland operation, including its record labels, film distribution, music publishing and music clubs, until Seagram’s Edgar Bronfman acquired the company in 1998, leading him to take a post at Warner Music International.