Ticketmaster Appoints Square Veteran as Global President to Spearhead AI Transformation
Ticketmaster is on the verge of a significant transformation, now under the leadership of Saumil Mehta. Effective November 1, he will take on the role of Global President, directly reporting to Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino. This executive change comes at a critical time as Ticketmaster deals with legal scrutiny across the ticketing industry.
Leadership Transition at Ticketmaster
Saumil Mehta succeeds Mark Yovich, who had been at the helm since 2020. Yovich will transition to the position of Chairman, concentrating on Ticketmaster’s long-term strategy and global expansion. Mehta brings a wealth of experience, particularly from his tenure at Square, where he served as Chief Product Officer and led various initiatives.
- Effective Date: November 1
- Predecessor: Mark Yovich
- Previous Role: Chief Product Officer at Square
Strategic Shift Towards AI Technology
As Ticketmaster focuses on its AI transformation, Mehta aims to leverage advanced technology for improved consumer experiences. His expertise in product innovation will be crucial for building tools that enhance fan engagement with live events.
Mehta’s vision includes:
- Enhanced venue management.
- Improved fraud detection mechanisms.
- Advanced customer personalization solutions.
Legal Challenges Ahead
The leadership change comes amid increased legal challenges, with the U.S. Department of Justice filing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company. Accusations include monopolistic practices in the live concert and ticketing sectors.
Key legal hurdles include:
- Allegations of monopolization from the Department of Justice.
- Separate litigation initiated by the Federal Trade Commission in September 2025.
- A recent Supreme Court ruling allowing a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster.
Company’s Future Direction
Mehta’s leadership signals a commitment to modernizing Ticketmaster’s technology and addressing its public image amid mounting pressure. The company aims to develop smarter ticketing systems that enhance transparency and combat fraudulent activities.
As Ticketmaster navigates these challenges, Mehta’s appointment brings renewed hope for innovation and improved consumer relations in an industry feeling the weight of increasing regulatory scrutiny. While the company maintains its position as a market leader, it faces the dual challenge of leveraging its dominance while addressing its vulnerabilities in a rapidly evolving environment.
