DENVER (CelebrityAccess) – On February 14, 2024, Oak View Group (OVG), a global company specializing in venue development, advisory, and investment for the sports and live entertainment industries, announced the appointment of Katee LaPoff as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Josh Pell as President of Premium Experiences and Global Strategy.
LaPoff will report to Steve Collins, President of Global Venue Development, Ade Patton, Chief Financial Officer, and Chris Granger, President of OVG360. Pell will also report to Collins and Francesca Bodie, Chief Operating Officer.
“I have been privileged to work with Josh for almost a decade and with Katee more than twice that time,” said Collins. “I was excited when each joined OVG, and today, I am extremely proud to see these two dynamic leaders promoted into expanded roles that recognize not only their accomplishments but also the confidence we all have in their abilities to propel the company forward. Katee’s vision and depth of experience make her the ideal person to develop the technology strategy across all of OVG’s businesses. Josh’s first-hand knowledge at almost every level of hospitality management will continue to distinguish OVG’s premium-level food service and retail experiences at our venues.”
“Our Oak View Group leaders and teams have an unwavering commitment to innovation and disruption in the sports and live entertainment industry,” said LaPoff. “Nowhere is the entrepreneurial spirit more important and relevant than technology, where pushing the boundaries is critical to staying ahead. I am thrilled to step into the CTO role and continue to work across divisions to deliver tech strategies that add value for our partners while bringing teams and artists closer to their fans.”
“Attention to detail is what continues to set Oak View Group venues apart, creating a truly premium atmosphere for all our guests,” said Pell. “The opportunities to ‘Wow’ our guests and enhance the venue experience are endless. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to explore unique, innovative approaches to our hospitality offerings leveraging our design and planning team, our world-class partners, and state-of-the-art technology.”
LaPoff’s expertise and vision will guide the technology strategy across OVG’s divisions. At the same time, Pell’s experience in hospitality management will continue to enhance the premium food and retail experiences at OVG venues. LaPoff and Pell share OVG’s commitment to innovation and disruption in their industry and are excited to continue pushing boundaries and delivering value for partners and fans.
In her new role as CTO, LaPoff will lead a talented technology team and foster collaboration across OVG’s businesses. She has previously served as Senior Vice President of Project Management and Technology, overseeing venue technology at various OVG venues, including the Moody Center, Acrisure Arena, and CFG Bank Arena. Before OVG, LaPoff was the SVP of Technology at Madison Square Garden Companies for 10 years, after which she held various positions at Sterling Project Development related to managing large venue enterprises and information technology systems and operations. LaPoff is a graduate of the University of North Texas (BA) and Regis University, where she holds an MS in Management and Organizational Leadership.
Pell’s expanded role as President of Premium Experiences and Global Strategy will include managing OVG’s e-commerce platform and all premium opportunities and overseeing hospitality, food and beverage, and technology design initiatives globally. He will also lead the development of additional revenue opportunities and have P&L oversight over all owned and operated food and beverage programs. Before joining OVG, Pell held senior positions at T-Mobile Park, Chase Center, and Petco Park, where he was named “GM of the Year” for Sodexo/Centerplate in 2018. He was crucial in developing the award-winning food and beverage program at Petco Park, USA Today’s Best Ballpark in America, in 2016 and 2022.
