Australia News: The Kid LAROI Rejoins Scooter Braun, Lawsuit Ensues; ASM Global Exec Hires; NZ: Wellington Town Hall Retrofit Cost Rises

AUSTRALIA

The Kid LAROI Rejoins Scooter Braun, ART Management Sues

As The Kid LAROI made a triumphant return to his native Australia after his global breakthrough, his management issues rose to the fore. Scooter Braun is back at the helm at the request of the 18-year-old and his mother, Sloane Howard.

He was seen backstage hanging out at The Kid LAROI’s May 26 show at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the first of seven sold-out shows there.

Braun shared show footage on Instagram and announced, “Just the beginning” on his Stories.

His company, SB Projects, first took on the act June 2021 but they parted amicably in September, over the extent of Braun’s involvement. This time around, SB Projects will be involved in all aspects of the First Nations rapper’s career. The act was managed by Adam Leber of Rebel between September 2021 and May 2022.

In the meantime, Sydney- based ART Management Group filed a Supreme Court lawsuit May 27 claiming breach of contract and loss of income.

Represented by Media Arts Lawyers, managing director Daniel “Zig” Annor said The Kid LAROI signed a three-year global management deal in 2018, with a two-year extension.
According to a statement of claim, Annor was to get, among other things, 20% of gross income from recordings and merchandising, and net income from live performances.

But the deal was terminated just days before the act signed a global deal with Sony Music.
Annor also seeks damages from Sloane Howard claiming interference in their relationship.

Executive Moves At ASM Global (APAC)

Rod Pilbeam, founding COO of ASM Global (APAC), will move into a part-time role from July, “stepping back from those 80+ hour working weeks,” said chairman and CEO Harvey Lister.

He will become group director of venue and event innovation, remaining based in Brisbane.

In other moves, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s (BCEC) general manager Bob O’Keeffe will become CEO of BCEC and COO of venue operations for ASM Global (APAC), a newly created role to meet the growing footprint of ASM Global.

Kym Guesdon, HR director for BCEC and ASM Global, becomes BCEC general manager.
Lister said the moves were “integral to future proofing the venue for continued growth as it heads into a period of unprecedented infrastructure development ahead of Brisbane’s Olympic era.”

Two U.S. conventions, Convention of Zonta International 2024 and Baptist World Congress 2025, were confirmed May 25 to stage here for the first time, attracting 8,000 delegates and pumping $35 million into Queensland’s economy.

ASM Global (APAC) employs 20,000 people in 40 venues across the Middle East, East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND

Costs Rise For Wellington Town Hall Retrofit

Costs for the earthquake-proofing of the Wellington Town Hall has increased from NZ$145.3 million (US$95.1 million) to $182.4 million ($119.4 million).

The heritage-listed venue was declared quake-prone in 2009, closing in 2013 following the Seddon earthquake, with strengthening work starting in 2019.

Wellington City Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow said that council was aware costs could rise as the hall is on reclaimed land and the full extent of its condition was not fully known.

Scarcity of materials post-pandemic also increased costs.

When it re-opens September 2024, it will have improved rehearsal and performance space, with upgraded acoustics and orchestral recording facilities.