DPS Taps Former MSG EVP Darren Pfeffer As President

Darren Pfeffer, a long-time industry vet who most recently was executive vice president for MSG Live, is the new president at production giants DPS.

“Many of you have worked with Darren in the past and know how well-suited he is for this role,” DPS’ Dave Meyers said in a statement sent to industry partners. “Most recently EVP, MSG Live, at Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Darren led his division to growth in profitability, market share, and bookings, even as he guided them through the pandemic that upended our entire industry.”

Meyers, who has been acting as co-CEO since the death of DPS founder Dan Parise in August 2020, also announced he will transition into an advisory role. DPS founding partner Johanna “Hans” Polleman also announced her retirement.

DPS has provided services to some of the biggest events in the world, such as Super Bowl halftime shows, including the most recent by Usher.

DPS has also produced Global Citizen Festivals in New York City, Johannesburg, and Mumbai; the iHeartRadio Music Festival; the Roots Picnic; and Oprah Winfrey’s 2020 Vision Tour. The company provides tour services to a range of artists including Beyoncé, JAY Z, BTS, Guns N’ Roses, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Meek Mill.

Pfeffer was a VenuesNow All-Star in 2019, honoring his work booking the World’s Most Famous Arena and its environs.