Vanessa Picken Leads TEG Live's Music Strategy Evolution

Vanessa Picken has joined TEG Entertainment Group (TEG) as global director, music strategy at TEG Live. This appointment signifies an important evolution in TEG's touring business, with strategies being mapped out for country, electronic, and other popular genres. Picken, who previously led Sony Music ANZ, will now drive music strategy and global advocacy for TEG Live, working with promoters worldwide.

TEG Live is enhancing its touring operations with a focus on key genres. Sam Sharma will lead new expansion efforts in South Asia and Desi touring, identified as a growth hotspot. Alex Kelsey is set to head country music touring across Australia and New Zealand, with veteran executive Clay Doughty supporting as head of strategy for the genre. Chris Watson has been promoted to head of electronic music for the Asia Pacific region, following his successful launch of the Palm Tree Festival Singapore.

The revitalized TEG Live operates as a platform business, overseen by TEG's global head of touring, Tim McGregor. This model aims to empower promoters with entrepreneurial autonomy while leveraging TEG's technological support for building and experiencing live events. The company is also establishing a Nashville office to strengthen its country music ambitions and connections between the U.S. and Australian markets.

TEG's broader portfolio includes ticketing giant Ticketek, TEG Sport, TEG Experiences, and Ovation. The company recently acquired Twenty3 Live to bolster its marketing and digital capabilities. Earlier this year, TEG announced that UFC 325 became the highest-grossing indoor arena event in Australian history, generating A$14.4 million in ticket sales at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena.