Features
Nederlander Taps HoB’s Friedman
Adam Friedman becomes president and CEO of
The creation of a CEO position fills a role between Nederlander’s existing management team and its ownership, with all functional areas of the company including talent marketing, operations, production, venue development and business affairs reporting to Friedman.
“I look forward to working with a well known set of industry veterans including Ken Scher, David Green and others, who have helped build this company into an industry icon,” Friedman told Pollstar.
The news came as something of a surprise to industry observers, but Friedman and HoB chief exec Greg Trojan agree the move was amicable and a new phase in their relationship.
“Although I am sad that we are losing such a talented person and a friend, I am happy that we will continue to work closely with Adam as a partner in our Greek Theater Joint Venture and to create new opportunities together in the future,” Trojan told HoB Concerts staff in an email January 4th as the announcement was made.
Friedman was equally lavish in his praise of his HoB colleagues.
“I have had an extraordinary run with House of Blues, especially working with people like (executive VP) Alex Hodges who I consider not only a tremendous mentor, but a good friend. He is the best in the business at what he does, and I am happy to be moving just down the street and knowing we will continue to work together on joint projects and partnerships,” Friedman said.
“We are pleased that an executive of Adam’s caliber and experience has agreed to join the Nederlander Organization and lead our concert and special event operations,” Nederlander Organization Chairman James Nederlander said. “We look forward to tapping into Adam’s knowledge of the business and key relationships in guiding our expansion into the future.”
Friedman came to MCA and ultimately HoB first as a business affairs attorney, moving into strategic development before going into management and, ultimately, running his division. He acknowledges the move comes at least partly out of a desire and readiness to take the next step in his career.
As Nederlander Concerts CEO, Friedman will be responsible for the day to day management of the company and oversight of general operations including the booking and promotion of concerts and special events, as well as management, at all Nederlander-managed and promoted venues and third party facilities nationwide.
He is also responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of Nederlander’s expansion into new markets, developing new marketing opportunities for artists including digital distribution of live concerts.
“I am concerned about continuing to build the existing core business and giving the artist community as much opportunity as possible not only to make money but to build their careers,” Friedman said.
He can continue to be reached at House of Blues Concerts until January 16th, after which he moves to Nederlander’s Los Angeles office.
– Deborah Speer