Leahy Goes Solo

Patrick Leahy resigned as executive VP of Clear Channel Entertainment’s music group venues division effective December 12th to start his own company, 409 Management & Consulting.

Leahy brings 20 years in the entertainment industry to his new company, which will focus on providing specialized services to clients including strategic planning and project management in venue operations, food and beverage management, operational design and development, and special event creation.

“I’m just trying to do something new and work in a little bit smaller setting,” Leahy told Pollstar. “What I’m looking to do is to spend a little more time with fewer projects with more focus and provide my expertise to a handful of clients, rather than trying to chase it all around the country with all the venues. I want more of a niche role.”

Leahy came to CCE in the SFX Entertainment rollup, after that company purchased Sunshine Promotions. He served as vice president and GM of Polaris Amphitheatre for six years before becoming a regional VP for SFX in 1998.

“I was promoted to run all the venues but in discussions with the management team, it made more sense for me to stay a little more field driven,” Leahy said of his departure from CCE. “It just really worked out to be good timing for me to say, ‘You know, it’s time to go do something a little different.'”

CCE, operating as CCE Spinco Inc. at press time, will officially be spun off from Clear Channel Communications as a new company December 21st.

Meanwhile, Leahy has hit the ground running with 409 Management, which has a diverse roster of clients including some from outside the entertainment industry. He also will be working on occasional projects with former Sunshine Promotions and CCE colleague Frank LoPresti, who also recently left to form his own company.

Leahy’s split from CCE was amicable, according to both parties.

“We wish Patrick many future successes,” CCE North America Music President Charlie Walker said in a statement.

“I have a lot of good friends there and nothing but fond memories over the years,” Leahy said. “They’re going to do their thing and my thing is going to be a whole lot different.”

Leahy can be reached through 409 Management & Consulting at 8253 Keeneland, Maineville, OH 45039 and by phone at 513-348-2290.

– Deborah Speer