Ticketmaster Names New Global President to Spearhead AI Transformation Efforts

ago 2 hours
Ticketmaster Names New Global President to Spearhead AI Transformation Efforts

Ticketmaster has appointed Saumil Mehta as its new global president, effective November 1. This announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant leadership change for the ticketing giant. Current president Mark Yovich will transition to the role of chairman, focusing on long-term strategy and global growth.

Mehta brings nearly ten years of experience from Square, where he served as chief product officer and led the business organization. He will report directly to Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. In his new role, Mehta expressed enthusiasm for enhancing the connection between fans and live events, highlighting the opportunity to make the ticketing experience more intuitive and engaging.

Focus on AI Transformation at Ticketmaster

One of Mehta’s primary responsibilities will be to drive an AI transformation at Ticketmaster. The company aims to leverage artificial intelligence to:

  • Empower venues
  • Fortify ticketing infrastructure against fraud
  • Enhance the ticket-buying experience for fans

Mehta, who has also advised several AI startups, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and technological expertise to the organization. Michael Rapino noted that Mehta’s leadership will build on Ticketmaster’s existing momentum and foundational work undertaken in recent years.

Challenges Ahead for Ticketmaster and Live Nation

Mehta’s appointment comes at a challenging time for Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment. Both companies face legal scrutiny, with lawsuits from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The DOJ filed an antitrust lawsuit in May 2024, alleging monopoly practices and calling for the breakup of Ticketmaster and Live Nation.

Additionally, the FTC’s recent lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of violating the BOTS Act by allegedly collaborating with scalpers to bypass ticket limitations, leading to inflated secondary market prices. Despite these legal challenges, Live Nation has demonstrated robust financial performance. In August, the company reported $7 billion in revenue for the second quarter, with Ticketmaster contributing approximately $742 million. This indicates a sustained demand for live music, despite the current economic pressures.