Dowdall Out At LN

Steve Todd from the Polish office has been promoted to replace him.

He will manage the Group’s presence in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the other local markets.

Dowdall oversaw the purchase of a minority share — believed to be 25 percent — of Vlado Ivankovic’s Adria Entertainment, which has since folded into bankruptcy.

In August Pollstar revealed Lupa and AM Lupa Promotion, two companies previously run by Ivankovic, had outstanding tax debts of as much as $3.4 million when the Adria deal was done.

At least some of that debt is said to relate to a U2 show the two Lupa companies promoted in Zagreb in 2009.

Ivankovic has subsequently gone to ground although Croatian lawyers acting on behalf of Live Nation are reportedly trying to track him down, apparently with the aim of bringing criminal charges.

If they’re successful, in Croatia it could take five years before the case reaches court.

LN European president of concerts John Reid has declined to comment on rumours that the Croatian episode cost his company $8 million.

He said Live Nation has exciting plans for live music and festivals in Central and Eastern Europe, and he’s delighted that an executive of Todd’s calibre will lead this strategy.

Dowdall wasn’t available for comment at press time.