Who We Are
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a global brand and entertainment platform that owns and invests in iconic intellectual property and cultural assets. It accelerates brands through a set of specialized businesses that combine powerful storytelling, premium content, unforgettable live experiences and global commerce. Through a network of more than 1,700 best-in-class licensees and strategic partners across 150 countries and expansive distribution, Authentic’s brands drive more than $38 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide. Authentic’s diversified portfolio spans more than 50 brands and reaches nearly one billion social media followers. Its roster includes Reebok, Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Kevin Hart, Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, GUESS, Aéropostale, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Dockers, Ted Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Quiksilver, Spyder, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Prince, Sperry and Hunter.
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Why Authentic
You’ll be able to access the resources and scale, while leveraging innovative technology and nimble environment. What we’re saying is, this isn’t your average day job. If you’re hungry to drive ideas into action and own your career, let’s chat. Our team is rapidly innovating to evolve and define the future of our brands. With the help of some of the brightest minds in retail, marketing, licensing, legal and more, we are building the intersection of digital and experiential marketing to help achieve that mission. We reimagine, evolve and transform brands! At Authentic, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and expertise drive competitive advantage. Our global teams are built by go-getters who contribute unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Headquartered in New York City, Authentic has offices in major metropolitan cities including Los Angeles and Miami, as well as Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai.
The Opportunity
Authentic Live is seeking an experienced live entertainment executive to lead the next chapter of OVO Fest, one of music and culture's most recognizable festival properties.
This newly created role will transform OVO Fest from a one-day event into a premier three-day music and entertainment destination, beginning with an August 2027 Toronto homecoming targeting approximately 90,000 attendees and establishing a scalable foundation for future international editions.
Serving as the central operating leader among OVO, Live Nation and Authentic Live, the Vice President will own the vision-to-execution process across strategy, production, operations and commercial performance. The ideal candidate is a proven festival operator, builder and entrepreneur who can set strategy, mobilize complex partnerships, lead teams, solve problems under pressure and remain deeply involved from planning through onsite delivery.
What You'll Do
Festival Leadership & Strategic Development
- Take full ownership of the OVO Fest platform, leading its evolution from a single-day event into a three-day, large-scale festival experience.
- Develop and execute the overarching festival strategy, vision, operating model and long-term growth roadmap in alignment with OVO, Live Nation and Authentic Live leadership.
- Lead the planning and execution of the August 2027 Toronto homecoming, establishing the foundation for a scalable, repeatable and internationally recognized festival platform.
- Identify opportunities to expand OVO Fest into new global markets, developing the framework for future international editions, partnerships and market launches.
- Translate the creative and cultural vision of OVO into an executable business and operational strategy while protecting the authenticity and identity of the brand.
Cross-Functional & Executive Leadership
- Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison and lead conduit between OVO, Live Nation and Authentic Live, ensuring clear communication, alignment, accountability and timely decision-making.
- Work directly alongside the EVP of Authentic Live and OVO executives to drive priorities, resolve challenges and maintain momentum across all aspects of the initiative.
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, reporting structures and decision-making processes across all participating organizations.
- Bring together and mobilize internal teams and external partners spanning talent, production, operations, marketing, partnerships, finance, legal, ticketing, hospitality and fan experience.
- Lead regular executive updates, planning sessions and working meetings, providing visibility into progress, key milestones, financial performance, risks and critical decisions.
Festival Production & Operations
- Oversee the end-to-end development and execution of OVO Fest, from initial concept and site planning through production, live event execution and post-event reconciliation.
- Lead the development of the festival's master operating plan, including site selection, venue strategy, infrastructure, staging, production design, capacity planning, scheduling, staffing, security, transportation, permitting and logistics.
- Partner closely with Live Nation's festival, production and operational leadership to leverage its infrastructure, expertise, resources and best practices.
- Build and manage a comprehensive production timeline, critical path, workback schedule and festival-wide operating calendar.
- Oversee the selection, negotiation and management of key production vendors, contractors, agencies and service providers.
- Ensure the highest standards of event safety, risk management, regulatory compliance, operational readiness and emergency preparedness.
- Lead onsite execution, maintaining a visible leadership presence throughout load-in, rehearsals, festival operations and load-out.
Financial & Commercial Management
- Partner with Authentic Live, OVO and Live Nation finance teams to develop and manage the overall festival budget, financial model and operating plan.
- Maintain accountability for the festival's financial performance, including revenue forecasting, expense management, cost controls, profitability and post-event settlements.
- Partner with commercial and partnership teams to maximize sponsorship, brand integration, hospitality, premium experiences, ticketing and ancillary revenue opportunities.
- Evaluate commercial opportunities and operational investments that support the long-term growth and financial sustainability of the festival.
- Establish reporting processes and performance metrics that provide executive leadership with clear visibility into financial and operational progress.
- Develop scalable financial and operational models that can be replicated across future international festival editions.
Talent, Programming & Creative Collaboration
- Work closely with OVO leadership and designated talent buyers, promoters and creative partners to develop and deliver a compelling festival programming strategy.
- Support the evolution of the festival's entertainment offering, including headline talent, supporting artists, special performances, cultural programming and additional experiences.
- Ensure that the festival's programming, production and overall environment reflect the OVO brand, its audience and its cultural influence.
- Coordinate talent-related requirements across booking, artist relations, production, hospitality, travel and onsite execution.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new formats, experiences and creative elements that differentiate OVO Fest within the global festival landscape.
Team Building & Execution
- Build, lead and inspire a high-performing festival team, establishing the structure, talent and resources required to deliver a production of this scale.
- Identify organizational needs and engage the appropriate internal and external resources to execute against key deliverables.
- Create a culture of urgency, accountability, collaboration and problem-solving across all workstreams.
- Establish repeatable processes, systems and operating standards that support both the immediate Toronto event and the future international expansion of the platform.
What We're Looking For
- 15+ years of progressive experience in live entertainment, festival production, large-scale event operations or concert promotion, with significant leadership experience overseeing major music festivals.
- A proven track record of leading and delivering complex, multi-day festivals and large-scale live entertainment properties, ideally with attendance in the tens of thousands or greater.
- Experience with globally recognized festival operators, promoters or entertainment organizations such as Live Nation, Goldenvoice, AEG Presents or comparable businesses.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of a major event or entertainment property from concept and strategic development through execution and financial reconciliation.
- Deep understanding of the festival ecosystem, including production, talent buying, site operations, ticketing, security, permitting, vendor management, sponsorship and fan experience.
- Significant experience managing multimillion-dollar event budgets, financial forecasts, commercial relationships and operational P&Ls.
- Exceptional leadership and relationship-management skills, with the ability to navigate complex partnerships and work effectively with senior executives, artists, agents, promoters, vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Experience building teams, establishing operating structures and leading large, multidisciplinary groups through complex planning and execution cycles.
- Strong business judgment, financial acumen, organizational skills and an exceptional attention to detail.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively and maintain a significant onsite presence during planning, production and festival periods.
What Success Looks Like
- 2027 – Toronto Homecoming: Successfully transform OVO Fest into a three-day festival experience, targeting 90,000 attendees across the weekend, with exceptional programming, production, fan experience and commercial performance.
- Establish the Platform: Create a sustainable organizational, financial and operational framework that positions OVO Fest for continued growth.
- Global Expansion: Develop the strategic roadmap, market opportunities and operating model for launching OVO Fests internationally.
- Organizational Alignment: Establish a highly effective working partnership between OVO, Live Nation and Authentic Live, with clear accountability, communication and execution across all parties.
- Long-Term Value Creation: Build OVO Fest into a globally recognized live entertainment property with the potential to become one of the most influential music and cultural festival platforms in the world.
Primary Location Salary Range:
$175,000 - $220,000
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