2024 Women Of Live Hall Of Fame: Ali Harnell

President & Chief Strategy Officer Live Nation Women | Live Nation

“Like most top executives who tirelessly work their craft with a true passion for what they do, Ali just continues to set the bar higher each year for all of us as she promotes industry awareness for female equality. ” – Bob Roux, resident of U.S. Concerts at Live Nation Entertainment

Nothing feeds Ali Harnell’s soul like a Brandi Carlile show.

It’s fitting for Harnell, the Live Nation Women President & Chief Strategy Officer, to be so inspired by an artist who brings women together.

Harnell joined Live Nation in 2019 after building a career in concert promotion with such legends as Ron Delsener, Mitch Slater, Louis Messina and Melissa Ormond. Now, she’s helping advance other women in the concert industry – on- and off-stage.

One of her mentors was Live Nation President, U.S. Concerts Bob Roux.

“I have had the privilege to work with Ali for close to 30 years now,” Roux tells Pollstar. “Like most top executives who tirelessly work their craft with a true passion for what they do, Ali just continues to set the bar higher each year for all of us as she promotes industry awareness for female equality. She’s generous with her time, leads by example and is a great mentor to so, so many. I am thrilled for Ali’s success and very thankful she came to Live Nation when she did with the idea to start Live Nation Women.”

And in less than five years, Harnell has seen Live Nation Women have a tremendous impact.

“A huge highlight for me was continuing to expand the Live Nation Women team, allowing us to further our global reach through new initiatives such as Live Nation Women Summits, LNW Circles, and Listen with Live Nation Women signature series,” Harnell says of her latest initiatives.

But it’s more than just a good year that puts Harnell in Pollstar’s inaugural Women of Live Hall of Fame. When Harnell was working in Nashville, she helped re-establish the fabled Ryman Auditorium as a live music venue; since departing Music City for Live Nation, she’s produced tours for not only Carlile but Oprah Winfrey, Maren Morris, Katie Couric and more.

“On the artist side, we see more women dominating at the box office charts, in streaming and sales, and in recognition at this year’s Grammy Awards,” Harnell says. “On the executive side, we are seeing more women in more leadership positions, making powerful moves. … One of Live Nation Women’s goals is to encourage, making sure we do our part to make space for others to have equitable access and opportunity.”

Yet Harnell finds time to indulge her love of music and one artist in particular.

“Anything and everything Brandi Carlile: her Girls Just Wanna Weekend festival in Mexico, Echoes Through The Canyon at The Gorge Amphitheatre with Joni Mitchell and The Highwomen, and her Hollywood Bowl show. There’s nothing better for my soul than experiencing the true magic that woman creates.”