Live Nation Hires Milly Olykan To Drive Country And Americana Strategy, Named SVP Of Artist Development and Global Touring

Live Nation has announced the appointment of Milly Olykan as Senior Vice President of Artist Development and Global Touring, where she will focus on the country and Americana genres.

Olykan is to join the company’s Concerts division in January and report to President of Touring Omar Al-Joulani.

The announcement says Olykan will be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the company’s Country and Americana strategy worldwide, working closely with Live Nation’s global promoters to identify new touring opportunities, foster relationships with the artist community, and drive the company’s growth in the international country music market. 

Olykan joins Live Nation from the Country Music Association, where she has served as Vice President of International Relations and Development since 2018.

“I’ve been so fortunate to work under Sarah Trahern’s incredible leadership at CMA, an organization whose mission is to grow country music around the world,” Olykan said in the announcement. “It’s been a privilege to have built so many meaningful relationships worldwide, and I’m excited to continue advancing that mission from my new role at Live Nation.”

Olykan is credited with further developing CMA’s international strategy and building a network of industry leaders that drove growth and awareness for the genre worldwide. She also oversaw CMA’s programming strategy for CMA Fest and served as interim festival director for two years.

Prior to her stint at CMA< Olykan was a champion for the UK country and Americana scene at AEG Presents, holding the title of vice president of live music and major arena events at AEG Presents, where she was one of the founding promoters of the Country To Country festival.

“Country and Americana artists are touring more of the world than ever before as the global demand for their music is on the rise, and Milly’s extensive experience and industry connections make her a great asset to support our efforts in continuing to expand touring of those genres worldwide”, said Omar Al-Joulani, President of Touring, Live Nation. “We’re excited for the opportunities her leadership will create for artists and their tours around the world.”