James Craven

Summit Session: Navigating the Music Industry in the MENA Region

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James was appointed President of Live Nation for the region in 2018 after previously serving 4 years as Managing Director of Live Nation Concerts in the UAE.

Acknowledged as one of the most experienced industry professionals in the region, James has headed-up some of the highest profile festivals and major live events in both Europe and the Middle East. He has managed entertainment solutions for some of the largest sporting events, including Dubai World Cup, Diriyah Season, Formula E & Formula 1.

James has over 20-years of live event experience and produced well over 500 shows and festivals. James has lived and worked in the Middle East for over 10 years, three of which he spent in Saudi Arabia, where he was Division Head at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (ithra) - an Aramco initiative. In this role James headed-up live events, theatre, museum, exhibition and the creativity hub at the Centre.

Prior to working in Saudi Arabia, James served as CEO of a US and UK-based music touring company, focused on creating international, multi-platform entertainment properties. James was also director of a London-based Artist Management company managing some of the biggest names in music & TV. He also spent 8 years at Clear Channel Communications (now Live Nation) as SVP International Communications & Development, working across the outdoor, radio, TV and live entertainment businesses.

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