Oak View Group (OVG) has named Chris Granger as CEO, effective immediately.
Granger had served as interim CEO since July 2025, when Tim Leiweke stepped down following his indictment in the US on a conspiracy charge related to the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin Texas.
Leiweke had pleaded not guilty and was due to stand trial next year. But earlier this week he was granted a full and unconditional pardon by President Trump.
Prior to that interim role, OVG said Granger had presided over “tremendous growth” as president, OVG360.
As CEO, Granger will lead all aspects of OVG's global businesses in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, including venue development, venue management, hospitality and sponsorship sales.
"Chris’ performance during his tenure as interim CEO has been exceptional," said Lee Wittlinger, chairman of the OVG board of directors. "He seamlessly stepped into the role during a pivotal time and demonstrated tremendous leadership. Chris understands the entire ecosystem of sports and live entertainment and the board is confident that he is the right executive to lead OVG into its next phase of global growth."
OVG senior partner Irving Azoff said: "I have known and worked with Chris for nearly 20 years. No one is better for the CEO job. He is uniquely qualified to lead OVG as we continue to build it bigger and better. He shares our passion to deliver for all our clients, fans and artists."
Chris Granger said: "I'd like to thank the board for their confidence. I am honoured to serve in this role and build upon an incredible foundation. I look forward to working with our deep roster of entrepreneurial leaders and talented team mates, across North America and around the world, as we continue to deliver on our mission to disrupt positively and with purpose. We will work tirelessly on behalf of our partners, we will root for one another, and we will lift the communities in which we operate. Let's go."
Granger has more than 30 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. Prior to joining OVG360 in 2021, he was group president, sports and entertainment of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings and president and COO of the Sacramento Kings.
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