ASM Global has announced that Gemma Vaughan has been promoted to Acting General Manager of AO Arena, in Manchester. Vaughan joined ASM Global in 2023 as Sales and Marketing Director at AO Arena and has stepped into the role of Acting GM.
From Live Nation Entertainment and Cuffe & Taylor, to Escape to Freight Island and now AO Arena, Vaughan has 14 years’ experience within the live entertainment industry. Since joining ASM Global Vaughan has been integral to the successful re-imagining of the AO Arena with the launch of The Mezz, the UK’s first celebrity chef restaurant and bar experience inside a live music venue. Demonstrating further commitment to the city’s experience economy, Vaughan sits on the board of Brighter Sound and the Manchester Music City network.
“The AO Arena is embarking on another year of unprecedented demand. Gemma has a wealth of understanding of the wider UK music business and the needs of the local Manchester market,” Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe said. “Through her work at the forefront of the recent £60m reimagination of the Arena she has demonstrated her passion for this brilliant city, its cultural footprint and our ambition to deliver the ultimate in live entertainment experiences to the people who live here. It’s a very exciting time for the venue and for the city.”
Vaughan commences her new role with immediate effect. Since 2022 the venue has been managed by Jen Mitchell, who is now moving on to a new challenge outside of ASM Global.
