Front Line, SME Form Joint Venture

Front Line Management has formed a joint venture with SME Entertainment Group, the former announced Oct. 11. Irving Azoff becomes CEO while SME founder Corey Shapoff becomes president.

SME, which stands for Sports Marketing & Entertainment, has provided talent, production services and on-site event management for corporations, associations, private parties and charity events worldwide since 1991, according to a statement.

Among its corporate clients have been Coca-Cola, AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle and others. It’s also presented artists such as Paul McCartney, Eagles, John Mayer and Bon Jovi.

The company also provides public speakers that have included George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Richard Branson and Katie Couric; comics including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Robin Williams and sports figures Magic Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Willie Mays, Bob Costas and more.

SME is based in Los Angeles.