AEG names Andrew Travis to lead Australasian operations for AXS ticketing outlet

AXS, the ticketing division of global sport and entertainment business AEG, has appointed Andrew Travis as Chief Executive of its new division that will operate in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

AXS (pronounced ‘access’) is part of the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) which, in 2019, agreed a formal joint venture with Frontier Touring, following a years-long ‘handshake’ agreement on concerts inventory.

AEG launched AXS in 2011 as a ticketing platform to rival Ticketmaster, which the year before had merged with Live Nation, the arch-rival of Frontier Touring.

On its website, AXS advises that it “believes in empowering the venue with the tools to act on real-time data, enable seamless organizational efficiency, and a simple customer journey.”

Travis, an experienced sports, events and venue management professional, was most recently employed by the Melbourne and Olympic Parks (M&OP), where he served as Chief Operating Officer with responsibilities for the development and operation of the live sport and entertainment precinct.

Its assets include Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court Arena.

Prior to that, Travis led the Gold Coast Suns AFL franchise as Chief Executive.

Based in Melbourne, Travis (pictured) will be tasked with introducing AXS and its technology to local venues, promoters, artists and fans.

In a statement he advised “I am delighted to be joining the team at AXS and to have been given the opportunity to lead this exciting expansion into the Australia and NZ market.

“I look forward to super serving venues to optimise their ticketing operations and drive improved customer outcomes and satisfaction.”

AXS’ USA-based Chief Executive, Bryan Perez noted “we are thrilled to have Andrew lead AXS’ entry into the vibrant Australian and New Zealand live event market.

“His extensive experience as an industry leader in sports and entertainment venues gives him a keen insight into their goals and ambitions and the challenges they’ve had realising them. He is the right person to help AXS address those challenges in a new and innovative way to the benefit of fans, artists and team throughout the region.”

The arrival of AXS in a market dominated by Ticketmaster and TEG’s Ticketek, was first revealed before Christmas.

The Australian arm of the ticketing platform will potentially link with venues operated by ASM Global (the entity formed in 2019 the AEG merged SMG) including Qudos Bank Arena, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, RAC Arena and Suncorp Stadium.

Travis is also an instructor at the VMA's annual Venue Management School and a Course Advisory Board member for the Deakin Executive Master of Sport Business program.