NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — The Madison Square Garden Company announced that David “Doc” O’Connor has abruptly stepped down from President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
James Dolan, MSG’s Executive Chairman, has assumed the additional role of interim Chief Executive Officer in O’Connor’s absence.
O’Connor was named Chief Executive Officer and President of The Madison Square Garden Company in July 2015 and during his tenure, oversaw MSG’s spin-off of its live sports and entertainment businesses from its media holdings. He also oversaw MSG’s acquisition of a majority stake in nightclub and restaurant operator TAO Group, and key partnerships with Las Vegas Sands over a new arena in Las Vegas, as well as a record-breaking residency at MSG by Billy Joel that is now heading for its 48th consecutive show.
At the same time, MSG has struggled with uneven revenue and headwinds for some of its flagship offerings such as the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes going on hiatus for retooling.
Prior to joining MSG, O’Connor spent more than 30 years at Creative Artists Agency as a Managing Partner of the agency. He began his career at Creative Artists Agency in 1983 in the mailroom before he was promoted to the role of agent in the company’s Motion Picture department. In 1995, Mr. O’Connor took over day-to-day management and ownership of the agency along with his partners.
In 2008, Mr. O’Connor also co-founded and established Evolution Media Capital (EMC). And in 2012, he played a role in the creation of CAA Eleven, a CAA subsidiary that manages the media, sponsorship and licensing rights for all National Team Football in Europe governed by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).
