AEG Global Touring Names David Rappaport COO, Michael Harrison SVP

– AEG

AEG Global Touring is filling out its executive ranks, topped by David Rappaport as chief operating officer and Michael Harrison as senior VP.  The news was confirmed by Gary Gersh, AEG Presents’ newly minted president of global touring and talent, just weeks after AEG Global Touring’s formation was announced by parent AEG Presents.

Former SubHub senior executive Michelle Swing will come aboard as direct of artist development and former AOL head of marketing and partner management Victoria Torchia will head digital marketing, according to Variety.

Rappaport comes from YouTube Music/Google Play Music, where he was head of artist relations for the Americas. Harrison was previously tour director for Australian promoter Michael Gudinsky’s Frontier Touring Company.

Several current AEG execs will change nameplates as well. Donna DiBenedetto becomes VP Global Touring; Jenny Heifetz Henalt is named senior director of global touring; Jessica Smith becomes senior marketing manager; Derek Tucker becomes VP of ticketing, and Nashville-based Laurel Hilburn becomes manager of touring for the new division.

“I am very excited by the additions of Michael, David, Michelle and Victoria,” Gersh said in a statement to Variety. “I have known Michael for many years through our long-term friendship with Frontier Touring. I have also known David through the years and have watched him progress from an attorney and partner to a successful executive at Google. Adding both Michelle and Victoria along with Michael and David, brings a wealth of knowledge to our growing team.

“I am also thrilled with the promotions of Donna, Jenny, Derek, Jessica and Laurel. It is gratifying to see our people move up internally and watch them thrive as we strongly position AEG Presents for continued growth in the global live touring industry.”