AusLeisure

AEG Ogden has advised that highly experienced venue management executive, Steve Hevern has been appointed Interim General Manager of Perth Arena.

The appointment by AEG Ogden, the venue manager of Perth Arena, and follows the recent tragic passing of David Humphreys who had held the position of General Manager since January 2011.

Hevern has been AEG Ogden's Manager of Technical Services since joining the company in January 2008 and has worked closely with the Perth Arena team through the pre-opening period.

He has extensive experience in the opening of major arenas, having worked on the opening of Sydney SuperDome (now Allphones Arena) in 1999, Vector Arena in Auckland in 2007 and Mastercard Arena in Beijing in 2008.

Hevern is also a Certified Facilities Executive (CFE), the highest qualification that can be achieved by an individual in the venue management industry.

Hevern will remain in the interim role at least until after the Hopman Cup in mid January by which time AEG Ogden will appoint the permanent General Manager.

AEG Ogden Executive Director Rod Pilbeam said today Hevern's experience made him the obvious choice to lead the Perth Arena team through the final stages of pre-opening and first few months of operations.

PIlbeam explained "we are lucky to have a person with Steve's skills and knowledge, together with experience in opening a number of major arenas, to be able to undertake this role for us.

"The fact that he has spent considerable time working on this project over the past two years has meant a seamless transition into this role and we know that he will do an outstanding job helping the team open this magnificent arena."

Hevern, who commenced in the role two weeks ago, said he was relishing the challenge and looked forward to opening the iconic venue, adding "Perth Arena will set new benchmarks in facilities, technology and services. The team here has worked tirelessly in the pre-opening period and is looking forward to hosting the opening programme, showcasing what is going to be a truly amazing venue.

"I am very proud to be leading the team through this process."

Perth Arena will open on Saturday 10th November with a concert by Elton John followed by a busy schedule featuring concerts from Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Weezer and Celtic Thunder. It will also include a Perth Wildcats NBL home game, performances by the Wiggles and Russell Brand, a speaking engagement by Mike Tyson and the Hopman Cup tennis tournament.

2nd October 2012 - SIR ELTON JOHN TO OPEN PERTH ARENA ‘UNDER THE STARS’

4th September 2012 - VALE: DAVID HUMPHREYS, RESPECTED VENUE MANAGER 

29th May 2012 - TICKETEK CONFIRMED AS PERTH ARENA TICKETING PROVIDER

3rd May 2012 - WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT PREPARED FOR PERTH ARENA OPENING 

4th April 2012 - VOW TO MAINTAIN HOPMAN CUP AS A ‘WORLD-CLASS’ EVENT

28th April 2010 - VENUESWEST REVEALS INTERIOR DESIGNS FOR NEW PERTH ARENA

31st July 2008 - AEG OGDEN EXPRESS INTEREST IN MANAGING PERTH ARENA

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