NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) Oak View Group has named Hank Abate president of Oak View Facilities and he will be based out of the company’s New York City headquarters, reporting directly to Tim Leiweke, president, Oak View Group, and Peter Luukko, Chairman, Oak View Facilities.
Abate joins the company from Madison Square Garden, where he served as executive VP, directing all operations of MSG’s portfolio – Madison Square Garden, Theatre at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum and the Chicago Theatre.
In his new role, Abate will oversee OVG’s portfolio of facilities as well as future growth and development. He directly reports to Doug Higgons, Sr. VP, Oak View Facilities, Tom Paquette, Sr. VP Oak View Facilities, and Sims Hinds, VP, development.
“Hank is incredibly knowledgeable in the arena and stadium and live-event industry,” said Leiweke. “His experience and relationships are second to none and he is an outstanding addition to our ever-growing family at the Oak View Group. We are excited for our future with Hank leading Oak View Facilities.”
“Hank has the ability to create unique opportunities that maximize both the client and customer experience at an event or at a facility,” said Luukko. “He will be a tremendous asset to Oak View Facilities as we continue our rapid growth.”
Abate brings 30 years of experience in operating entertainment facilities including facility operations, box office oversight, booking and programming, marketing and sales, finance and reporting, and labor management and negotiations.
