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ASM Global, the world’s premier venue management and live events company, has made significant leadership advancements in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Under the guidance of Harvey Lister, Chairman and Chief Executive of ASM Global (APAC), three key executives have been promoted to spearhead the company’s vision in this dynamic market. These leadership promotions signal ASM Global’s commitment to enhancing its footprint and delivering high-quality, innovative experiences across its MENA venues.
Leadership Promotions and Roles
The recent promotions include Mark Jan Kar as Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Content, and Programming, in addition to his role as General Manager of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai; Deb Rogers as Vice President of People and Culture for Asia and the MENA region; and Iain Wooldridge as Chief Financial Officer for MENA. Each of these leaders brings extensive experience and a unique skill set to their roles, contributing to ASM Global’s mission to make MENA a hub for world-class entertainment, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
Mark Jan Kar: Expanding Entertainment at Coca-Cola Arena
Mark Jan Kar has been instrumental in transforming Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena into a premier destination for live entertainment since joining ASM Global in 2018. Initially serving as Commercial Director, Mark transitioned to oversee live entertainment and programming, eventually becoming the arena’s General Manager in 2021. His recent promotion to Senior Vice President – Entertainment, Content, and Programming for MENA, along with his continued leadership at Coca-Cola Arena, highlights ASM Global’s focus on positioning Dubai as a center for high-profile events.
With his expertise in strategic partnerships and content acquisition, Mark has been responsible for bringing a diverse range of events to Coca-Cola Arena, from international concerts to major sporting events. Under his guidance, the arena has hosted a variety of high-caliber acts and events, making it a must-visit venue for fans and performers alike. In his expanded role, Mark will continue to drive ASM Global’s content and entertainment strategy in MENA, enhancing the region’s appeal as a thriving entertainment destination.
Mark’s prior experience as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at International Management Group (IMG) prepared him well for the complexities of the entertainment industry. At IMG, he managed high-value sponsorship deals and developed large-scale events, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where he helped grow the local events market. His expertise will be pivotal in further establishing Coca-Cola Arena’s reputation and enhancing the overall entertainment experience across ASM Global’s MENA venues.
Deb Rogers: Leading People and Culture Initiatives in Asia and MENA
Deb Rogers, promoted to Vice President – People and Culture, brings over 25 years of experience in HR and organizational development across hotels, entertainment, and events. Since starting her career at ASM Global with Suncorp Stadium in 2002, Deb has been a driving force behind HR transformations, delivering extensive pre-openings, learning programs, and workforce development initiatives across the Middle East and Asia.
In her expanded role, Deb will be instrumental in advancing HR strategies across ASM Global’s venues, focusing on talent development, diversity, and inclusion. With experience in renowned venues like Burj Al Arab, Qatar National Convention Center, Coca-Cola Arena, and Exhibition World Bahrain, she has proven her expertise in onboarding and training large-scale teams, including managing 5,000 staff for COP-19 in Qatar. Her commitment to building high-performing teams and enhancing the employee experience is critical to ASM Global’s regional growth.
Deb’s responsibilities will include implementing bespoke learning programs and aligning HR strategies with ASM Global’s goals. Her deep familiarity with the Middle East, where she has lived and worked in key locations like Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, will aid her in addressing local workforce needs while fostering leadership development. As ASM Global continues to expand its venue portfolio, Deb’s HR insights will support effective operations and elevate the experience for guests and employees alike.
Iain Wooldridge: Driving Financial Strategy and Expansion in MENA
Iain Wooldridge’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer for the MENA region underscores ASM Global’s focus on financial growth and operational excellence. With over two decades of experience in financial leadership, Iain has a proven track record of guiding organizations through complex financial landscapes. Since joining ASM Global as Finance Director of Coca-Cola Arena in 2019, he has played a key role in establishing ASM Global’s regional headquarters in Dubai and securing management operations for multiple venues across MENA.
Iain’s responsibilities as CFO encompass strategic financial planning, business development, and financial transformation. His background includes a stint as Finance Director for an international F&B investment group, where he facilitated the expansion of 90 restaurants in two years, and experience with Universal Pictures in London, managing finance for the entertainment giant. His financial expertise will support ASM Global’s ambitious plans to enhance the profitability and sustainability of its MENA venues.
Iain’s strategic focus aligns with ASM Global’s goal of delivering value to its partners. By leveraging ASM Global’s global expertise, he is positioned to lead financial operations that optimize resources and drive the growth of the region’s entertainment sector. His approach aims to ensure that investments in world-class venues yield exceptional returns, transforming MENA’s entertainment landscape.
A Vision for MENA’s Entertainment Future
These leadership changes reflect ASM Global’s commitment to the MENA region as a growth market with enormous potential. The leadership team, under Harvey Lister’s guidance, is focused on harnessing the power of live events to drive economic and cultural development. By bringing seasoned leaders to the forefront, ASM Global is setting the stage for sustainable growth, enhanced visitor experiences, and a robust entertainment ecosystem.
The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, as a flagship venue, exemplifies ASM Global’s impact on the MENA region. By hosting a wide range of events, from concerts to sporting fixtures, it has established Dubai as a major player in the global entertainment industry. The arena’s recent hosting of Dubai’s Basketball team in the ABA League, attracting thousands of fans, is a testament to the growing popularity and reach of live events in the region.
Looking Ahead: ASM Global’s Strategic Priorities
As ASM Global continues to expand, the company is committed to promoting an inclusive and innovative work environment. With leaders like Mark Jan Kar, Deb Rogers, and Iain Wooldridge driving growth, ASM Global is positioned to capitalize on the region’s growing appetite for world-class entertainment and events. The company’s strategic focus on content, culture, and financial stability will enable it to maintain its leadership in the industry while contributing to the region’s development.
ASM Global’s vision for MENA goes beyond managing venues; it aims to be a catalyst for growth, bringing communities together through the shared enjoyment of live events. By investing in regional expertise and fostering collaboration, ASM Global is helping to shape the future of entertainment in MENA, creating a vibrant landscape where the world’s best acts and events find a home.
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