Randy Phillips Out, Marciano Named Chairman, In Exec Shakeup At AEG Live

LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — AEG has announced that they have "ended its relationship" with their chief executive officer of AEG Live Randy Phillips and is restricting the management of their live entertainment operation.

The company revealed that Jay Marciano, currently Chief Operating Officer of AEG, will step up to assume a more active role in the management of AEG Live, overseeing an LA-based executive team led by Paul Tollett, John Meglen, Shawn Trell and Rick Mueller.

Paul Tollett has been named CEO and President of Goldenvoice and the company announced that he will have an expanded role as a newly-minted member of the company's board of directors.

Meglen, who has been co-CEO of Concerts West since AEG entered the concert promotion business in 2000 through an acquisition of that boutique touring firm, will assume the role of President of Global Touring for AEG Live.

Shawn Trell has been promoted to the post of Chief Operating Officer of AEG Live, taking over for Tom Miserendino who recently relocated to London to assume the role of President and CEO, AEG Europe. Trell has served as Sr. Vice President and General Counsel, AEG Live for over a decade.

Veteran concert promoter Rick Mueller has been appointed to the post of President, AEG Live North America.

Phillips, a former artist manager for clients such as Lionel Richie and Rod Stewart, has helmed AEG Live since he joined the firm in February, 2002. In 2012, Phillips signed a new 5-year contract to continue his role at the promoter, however, the ouster of Tim Leiweke, the former CEO/President of AEG, as well as Phillip's role in the Michael Jackson litigation earlier this year led many to wonder if Phillips exit was in the cards.

During Phillips' tenure, AEG Live grew to become the second largest concert promoter in the world, second only to Live Nation. On his watch, the company developed the groundbreaking L.A. Live entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles, and laid the groundwork for the controversial Farmers Field stadium. Phillips also oversaw the development of AEG's Las Vegas residencies with a diverse array of artists that included Celine Dion, Garth Brooks and Prince; and he played a key role in the development of Michael Jackson's 50-date This Is It residency that was set for the O2 Dome in London in 2009.

When asked by Billboard's Ray Waddell about the timing of his departure, Phillips said "They want to start the new year with the re-org, and it gives them time amongst the holidays. Part of it is I was a larger than life presence there, and the face of the company. What’s the best time to get rid of a king? Right before the holidays. By the time Monday starts, it’s all new."

“Right now the lawyers are negotiating with the company to get me as much freedom as possible in the next chapter of my life,” he says, adding that he has “a huge amount” of opportunities. “The outpouring and the emails have been insane because of the work I did. The [Michael Jackson wrongful death] trial is behind me, and I’m trying to figure out what the next chapter is, and how to build a better mousetrap in this ever-changing media world we live in,” Phillips added.

Phillips continued, telling Billboard, “I’ve given a gift to the music industry, and that’s an alternative to there just being one buyer. I’ve given the industry a real viable alternative, and if that’s my legacy of this job, it’s the greatest legacy I could have.”

Dan Beckerman, president and CEO of parent company Anschutz Entertainment Group, speaking to Billboard regarding Phillips exit, said: “I have nothing but great respect for [Phillips] and what he did for this company. He helped to build AEG Live into what it is today, he did a tremendous job, and I look forward to working with him more in the future, whatever direction he goes.” “He’s fantastic at what he does, he’s truly a unique talent in the music business, and I know he’s going to be hugely successful.” However, Beckerman went on to say that “It was time to move in a different direction, just like Phil Jackson and the Lakers moved on.” – Staff Writers