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ASM Global Appoints GM For Bonus Arena Hull, UK
ASM Global has appointed Sam Ryder as general manager of Bonus Arena in Hull, England, effective Aug. 1.
It marks a return to familiar grounds for Ryder, who has worked at the building as head of operations when it opened in 2018. In 2022, he took on the role of general manager at the close-by York Barbican, a role he will retain.
See: ASM Global Appoints GM For York Barbican England
During his time in York, Ryder built on the Barbican’s content, “retaining world-class events like the UK Snooker Championships while developing the programming to push a more diverse mix of shows and original artist content, positioning the venue as a major player in York,” according to a press release from ASM Global.
On returning to Hull, Ryder’s goal is “to cement the venue as a must-play, while further elevating the guest experience and variety of offerings,” the press release continues.
At a maximum capacity of 3,500, Bonus Arena hosts major touring acts as well as emerging local grassroots artists. For the remainder of 2023, fans will be treated to a lineup of artists and shows that includes Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Aug. 30), Deacon Blue (Oct. 7), Jimmy Carr (Oct. 21), Mrs Brown’s Boys (Oct. 27-28), The Reytons (Nov. 3), Russell Howard (Nov. 25-26), and more.
Marie Lindqvist, SVP operations Europe at ASM Global, commented, “Sam is a fantastic General Manager, and building on the foundations of York Barbican, with agility and creativity, he has evolved the venue into York’s most exciting live entertainment and conference and exhibition space. We’re delighted that Sam remains part of the ASM Global family and are excited to see what he’ll bring to the Bonus Arena in Hull in his new role as it looks ahead to the future.”
Sam Ryder, the new GM of the York Barbican added, “I am incredibly excited by the opportunity at Hull. As a part of the initial opening team in the venue, and a proud resident of the city, there is so much room to grow on the success of the venue. My focus will be on bringing high quality original content to the venue, and making it a fixture on both the arena and academy sized touring routes. I’m excited to continue my work in York whilst also taking on the new challenge of Hull, and adding Rebecca Stevenson as Deputy General Manager in York will really secure the work we have started there.”
Sam will also retain his post as General Manager of York Barbican, with the venue appointing Rebecca Stevenson as Deputy General Manager. Rebecca is a LIPA graduate who joined York Barbican in 2021 as part of the venue reopening post-pandemic. Since then, Rebecca has progressed to Operations and Security Manager within the venue’s Senior Leadership Team and is now promoted to Deputy GM where she will work closely alongside Sam.