Features
Guy Dunstan Appointed General Manager & Senior Vice President, Co-op Live
Co-op Live announced that Guy Dunstan will become the venue’s new general manager and senior vice president effective Oct. 21, 2024.
Dunstan’s appointment to GM follows Rebecca Kane Burton’s time as interim general manager, a role she held since April 2024, after former general manager Gary Roden had abruptly left. Burton was named executive vice president of venue management for OVG International, where she will lead OVG’s international business development strategy for its facilities, sports, entertainment, and hospitality divisions.
In his new role as general manager, Dunstan will oversee the management of Co-op Live’s executive team, while guiding the strategic leadership of Co-op Live as senior vice president. He’ll be instrumental in developing Co-op Live’s commercial and operational strategy, and will lead the venue team to continue delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Dunstan has over 25 years of experience in the live arena industry, joining Co-op Live from the NEC Group, where he was responsible for Resorts World Arena and Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, as managing director of arenas for four years. He also spent 13 years with the National Arenas Association, where he held the position of chair, vice chair, and steering group member.
Dunstan’s appointment comes as Co-op Live confirms over 25 additional shows for the remainder of 2024, including the MTV EMAs, which will be held in Manchester for the first time this November. “These shows will attract global music stars and drive a significant economic boost to the city region,” according to the press release announcing the appointment.
Since opening in May 2024, Co-op Live has put on over 35 events, with more than 900,000 tickets sold, including 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 four 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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Guy Dunstan said, “It’s a privilege to be joining the team at Co-op Live and leading the UK’s largest live entertainment arena after its impressive opening season hosting world-class acts. The design, technology and acoustics of the arena are the best I have experienced throughout my time in the industry, so I’m excited to build on its success so far and put Co-op Live further on the world stage to add to Manchester’s cultural legacy and music heritage.”
Jess Koravos, President of OVG International, commented, “Guy has a wealth of experience in leading live entertainment venues, so we’re thrilled to be welcoming him to the team at Co-op Live and the wider OVG Group. As we move into the next chapter of the venue’s story, Guy’s leadership will be a significant asset in helping us achieve our goals for Co-op Live to become the most sustainable arena in Europe and a first-choice venue for artists and fans worldwide.”