Sam Ryder has been appointed the General Manager of Hull’s Bonus Arena.
The 3,500 capacity venue is owned by the City Council and managed by ASM Global which manages Manchester’s AO Arena, Utilita Arena Newcastle and first direct arena Leeds.
The group, which was formed in 2019 after AEG merged with SMG, also looks after York Barbican, where Ryder’s been General Manager since last year.
“Sam is a fantastic General Manager, and building on the foundations of York Barbican, with agility and creativity, he has evolved the venue into York’s most exciting live entertainment and conference and exhibition space,” said Marie Lindqvist, SVP Operations Europe of ASM Global.
“We’re delighted that Sam remains part of the ASM Global family and are excited to see what he’ll bring to the Bonus Arena in Hull in his new role as it looks ahead to the future.”
Ryder knows the venue well, having been Head of Operations in Hull before his move to York.
He will retain his position at the Barbican, with LIPA graduate, Rebecca Stevenson supporting him as Deputy General Manager in York.
“I am incredibly excited by the opportunity at Hull. As a part of the initial opening team in the venue, and a proud resident of the city, there is so much room to grow on the success of the venue,” explained Ryder.
“My focus will be on bringing high quality original content to the venue, and making it a fixture on both the arena and academy sized touring routes. I’m excited to continue my work in York whilst also taking on the new challenge of Hull, and adding Rebecca Stevenson as Deputy General Manager in York will really secure the work we have started there.”
Ryder will begin his new role at the Bonus Arena from 1 August.
