Trump Administration Official Named To Live Nation Board

Richard Grenell, the special presidential envoy for special missions and who President Donald Trump appointed as president of the Kennedy Center’s board, is the newest member of Live Nation Entertainment’s board of directors, the company announced Tuesday.

Grenell’s elevation to the Live Nation board comes as the company is in the midst of an ongoing antitrust case that seeks to undo the 2010 merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. That case was brought by the Biden Administration and continues to be pursued by the Department of Justice under Trump. It also comes days after the company confirmed it is under investigation by the DOJ for alleged criminal collusion in connection with its COVID-era policies. Live Nation has denied wrongdoing in that case.

“We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment, said in a statement. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”

Trump named Grenell as president of the Kennedy Center board after ousting Biden’s appointees from the traditionally bipartisan panel. Prior to his current foreign policy and cultural roles, Grenell served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Acting Director of National Intelligence and Presidential Envoy for Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations during Trump’s first time. Before government service, Grenell worked in media consultancy and during Biden’s time in office, he made frequent television appearances.

“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” Grenell said. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow this positive impact of concerts around the world.”

Grenell joins a board that, in addition to Mays and CEO Michael Rapino, includes SpringHill Company co-founder Maverick Carter, Geomafic co-founder Ping Fu, YouPlus Media president and former Univision executive Jeffrey T. Hinson , Liberty Media senior vice-president Chad Hollingsworth, long-time music executive Jimmy Iovine , former AT&T executive James Kahan, Liberty Media president and CEO Gregory Maffei, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Walmart executive vice-president Latriece Watkins.

Live Nation’s non-executive board members receive compensation between $288,000 and $457,000 in combined cash and stock according to the company’s most recent proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.