Eskowitz Exits Live Nation

Bruce Eskowitz, CEO of North American music for Live Nation, has exited the concert promotion company and has been appointed CEO of Premier Exhibitions, which tours museum exhibits worldwide.

"I look forward to bringing my complementary strengths to Premier’s highly talented leadership team," Eskowitz said in a statement. "I have high admiration for the people of Premier Exhibitions and look forward to expanding on the company’s success as the worldwide leader in touring exhibitions."

Eskowitz will begin his job at Premier October 1st. The company’s founding CEO, Arnie Geller, has been promoted to chairman.

The company’s touring exhibitions include "Bodies .. The Exhibition," "Bodies Revealed," "Titanic" The Artifact Exhibition" and "Titanic Science."

Eskowitz won’t be taking a cut in pay for his new venture. According to a Form 8-K financial statement, Eskowitz will have a base salary of $625,000. In addition, he will be entitled to bonus payments including a possible $951,923 on October 15th and $1 million next June. He is also entitled to a seat on the company’s board of directors and a 10-year opction to purchase 625,000 shares of Premier stock.

"After a thorough search, we have concluded that Bruce possesses the right blend of seasoned leadership, strategic skills and international experience to navigate our industry’s challenges and capitalize on its opportunities," Geller said.

"Well-qualified with a proven track record in a highly competitive industry, Bruce has demonstrated an ability to master the competitive pressures of today’s marketplace with innovation and an unwavering focus."

Jason Garner has been promoted to Eskowitz’s position at Live Nation.

"Bruce has played an integral role at our company since its inception and has been directly involved in many of the successful initiatives we have undertaken these past two years, including the acquisition of House of Blues, the roll-out of The Fillmore venue brand, the revitalization of our venues overall and the growth of our Alliances division." Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said in an internal memo.  "His contributions to Live Nation have been immeasurable and I want to thank him for his leadership, hard work and dedication over the many years he has served at this company and its predecessors."