Greg O’Dell Named OVG360 President for Venue Management
O’Dell named newest executive on rapidly growing OVG360 team
Posted On: March 18, 2022 By :Greg O’Dell will be leaving his role at Events DC to join OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, as the organization’s president for venue management starting in April.
O’Dell will lead the venue management line of business within OVG360, overseeing venue operations for more than 230 properties. O’Dell’s appointment follows OVG’s acquisition of Spectra, one of the industry’s leading venue management and hospitality providers, to create a leading full‐service live events company. O’Dell will report to OVG360 Chief Executive Officer Chris Granger.
“I could not be more excited to join the OVG360 team,” O’Dell said. “Under Chris’ leadership, we have a bold vision for how we will deliver customized venue solutions to our clients, creating indelible experiences for the communities we serve. I am so fortunate as this role is the perfect fit — a culmination of my experience in sports and entertainment, hospitality and development, coupled with my passion for growth, through building culture and embracing innovation. I look forward to leading the charge as we optimize our venues and our assets, strengthen sales and marketing efforts, structure strategic partnerships for large events, and create new events and new content.”
In his prior role as president and chief executive officer of Events DC, O’Dell oversaw conventions and meetings, sports and entertainment and special events. His primary responsibilities included oversight of the creation and promotion of hospitality, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. He also managed Events DC’s development portfolio, with projects that include a new multipurpose entertainment and sports arena on the campus of St. Elizabeths East in Congress Heights and the redevelopment of the RFK Stadium/Armory campus.
O’Dell also previously served as chief executive officer and general manager of the Washington Convention Center Authority, where he was responsible for the operations of the 2.3‐million‐square‐foot Convention Center. Before joining the Washington Convention Center Authority, O’Dell was the president and chief executive officer of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, where he led the project team that completed Nationals Park and was responsible for the operations and maintenance of the RFK stadium and campus.
“Greg is truly a unicorn in the live events industry in that his immense leadership experience spans both sports and entertainment and conventions and meetings,” Granger said. “Bringing on Greg as our new head of venue management aligns with our commitment to hiring and developing the most talented, innovative, and values‐driven people to grow the OVG360 team. His dedication to the economic, social and environmental betterment of the communities we serve is going to help drive our goal to create enriching experiences that help people convene and reconnect, while also fueling local economies. I am thrilled that Greg is joining the team.”
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