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Co-op Live Manchester Announces New Appointments To Leadership Team
Co-op Live in Manchester, England announced two key appointments to its senior leadership team: Scott Feldman, who joins as assistant general manager and operations director, and Jon Hornby, who comes on board as security & facilities director. Both men bring a wealth of experience to the venue’s operations following its opening in May 2024.
Feldman officially started Oct. 14, 2024, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in live entertainment venues, most recently as vice president of event services at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, California; one of Co-op Live owner and operator Oak View Group’s (OVG) Stateside venues. OVG is Pollstar’s parent company.
Prior to that, Feldman was appointed general manager of Cincinnati’s Music Hall, and the director of events & facilities sales for the Minnesota Orchestra & Orchestra Hall. Feldman has been driving revenue and steering operational delivery across multiple venues throughout his career.
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“At Co-op Live, he will oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless event delivery and an exceptional experience for fans, artists, and partners alike,” the press release announcing the appointment reads, and continues, “with his extensive background in event management, hospitality, and customer experience, Scott will play a key role in optimising operations and elevating Co-op Live as a world-class entertainment destination.”
Hornby stepped into the role of security & facilities director on Oct. 1, 2024, joining from Manchester United Football Club, where he was responsible for safety and security at one of the world’s renowned stadiums, the Old Trafford. In his new role, Jon is leading Co-op Live’s facilities team, and spearheads the venue’s health, safety, and security strategies, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all guests, performers, and staff.
Feldman and Hornby mark the first major appointments by Guy Dunstan, Co-op Live’s new GM and senior vice president, who took over from interim general manager, Rebecca Kane Burton effective Oct. 21. Kane Burton now steps into her role at Oak View Group International as executive vice president of venue management.
Co-op Live, by its own admission sold more than 1 million tickets for over 40 events since opening in May. Among them, the Eagles final UK shows, Pearl Jam’s only indoor concerts on their most recent tour, and the first UFC event in Manchester since 2016.
In its first five months, the arena has also driven forward its commitment to raise £1 million annually for the Co-op Foundation to support good causes, alongside wider charitable involvement, including a recent donation to Liam Gallagher’s chosen charity, Happy Doggo.
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More than 40 shows scheduled into 2025 have already been confirmed, including the MTV EMAs, which will be held in Manchester for the first time this November, as well as two exclusive UK arena performances by Bruce Springsteen.
Guy Dunstan, general manager and senior vice president at Co-op Live, commented: “I’m delighted to be joining Co-op Live at such an exciting time and to welcome Scott and Jon to the team. Their industry experience and leadership will be crucial as we continue to build on the success of the venue. I’m looking forward to working alongside them to ensure Co-op Live remains at the forefront of live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences to fans and artists while maintaining the highest standards in operations.”