Impact International UK/Euro: Gary Hutchinson

There are few as experienced in bringing together the world’s biggest stars and the world’s most iconic buildings as Gary Hutchinson, vice president of booking and commercial partnerships, OVG International; and managing director, Chrysalis Leisure Management.

During the “exceptionally busy” summer of 2023, his team delivered 16 stadium shows, from Beyoncé’s record-setting five nights at Tottenham to P!NK, Harry Styles, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wizkid and Arctic Monkeys all gracing the stages of various UK stadiums. Hutchinson feels accomplished for “having six of Beyoncé’s eight shows in the UK at the venues we work with: Sunderland and Tottenham. Seeing the five shows delivered at Tottenham, and seeing the artist and venue break records together, was the highlight ofthe summer. This is only achieved by working in partnership with Live Nation and the great team there.”

And he continues, “It’s not just about delivering the shows in the summer. Huge teams work on them for many months, carefully planning every detail, from the announcement to delivery of the shows.” Moving into Q4, he adds, “We are busier than ever with various projects. Big shows such as Taylor Swift and the Foo Fighters have been announced…with lots more to follow. A busy 2024 is ahead.”

Not least, because OVG (Pollstar’s parent company) is going to open its first development outside of the U.S. in spring: Co-op Live in Manchester, England, which recently began to announce – and sell out – shows. “We are also working hard to explore how we expand into new markets, and look at opportunities in Europe, Middle East and beyond,” says Hutchinson, who feels “part of a super exciting time of growth…from seeing our arenas opening successfully in the U.S., and the various acquisitions, to our exciting announcements with MSG group, and Ethara in the Middle East. And there is so much more to come.”