Tim Leiweke Steps Down as OVG CEO, Chris Granger Named Interim CEO 

Oak View Group founder Tim Leiweke today announced he is stepping down as the company’s CEO following a federal indictment for alleged conduct related to the bidding process for building the University of Texas’s Moody Center, charges Leiweke vehemently denies. The company has named OVG360 President Chris Granger interim CEO. 

Oak View Group, Pollstar’s parent company, was found to have committed no wrongdoing and released the following statement: 

“Oak View Group cooperated fully with the Antitrust Division’s inquiry and is pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing. We support all efforts to ensure a fair and competitive environment in our industry and are committed to upholding industry-leading compliance and disclosure practices. We are proud of the partnerships we’ve built, and remain committed to continuing to offer exceptional hospitality and holistic venue management solutions and venue development expertise which deliver value to our venue partners, fellow service providers, and the communities and customers we serve.”

Leiweke, in his statement said, “It has been my great honor to help found and lead OVG as it has grown into the special, customer-oriented company it is today.” He also addressed the DOJ’s dropped charges against OVG. “While I’m pleased the company has resolved its Department of Justice Antitrust Division inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing, the last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the Board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role. In my new role as Vice Chairman of the Board and as an OVG shareholder, I remain as committed as ever to the long-term success of the company, and I know OVG, our valued partners and our customers are in great hands with Chris and the rest of our stellar leaders.”

Chris Granger said in the same release made the following statement. “I am honored to serve in this role and am looking forward to working with our deep roster of leaders and talented team as we deliver on our mission to provide the best possible service and outcome for our customers and partners.” 

Lee Wittlinger, Chairman of the OVG Board of Directors, stated, “We are deeply grateful to Tim for his vision and years of dedicated service as CEO, during which OVG evolved into an exceptional, multifaceted industry leader. The Board supports Tim’s transition out of the CEO role and is implementing the succession planning process that was already underway. We thank Chris for taking on this role. As the leader of OVG360, Chris has been an instrumental driver of success for both OVG and our venue partners. We remain big believers in OVG’s ability to deliver exceptional venue management and hospitality services and venue development capabilities that surpass the expectations of our customers and partners.”

In a note to the OVG staff, Leiweke addressed the DOJ allegations. “First, as some of you may already know, the DOJ’s Antitrust Division made formal allegations against me today alleging that more than eight years ago I made an improper agreement with Legends during the selection process for the construction and management of the Moody Center at the University of Texas.It is not true, and I am confident that jurors in Austin will see this case for what it is – wrong on the facts and the law and a misguided attempt to criminalize the lawful, ethical, and procompetitive efforts of complementary businesses joining forces to deliver a compelling proposal. The Moody Center is a fantastic project and an indisputable success. OVG won the work on the merits of our qualifications and proposal, and we set the bar for NCAA facilities, transforming live sporting and entertainment events for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. At a time when the current administration is trying to promote American enterprise and innovation, this prosecution is inexplicably trying to stifle them.”

He also further explained more on why he stepped down as CEO. “Second, as you know, our mantra has always been to focus completely on our mission and commitment to excellence. The Antitrust Division’s actions today prevent me from doing that, so I have agreed with our Board of Directors that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition from my role as CEO. I will continue to serve on our Board of Directors in the role of Vice-Chairman and will remain a shareholder of OVG.