New General Manager joins Christchurch's Vbase

Darren Burden has been appointed to head Christchurch City Council's venue management company, Vbase.

Burden takes up the position of Vbase General Manager after several years in Dunedin, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the multi-million-dollar Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Having been Chief Executive of the former Carisbrook Stadium Trust from 2007 to 2010, Burden moved to Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) as Operations Director in January 2010, before becoming DVML Chief Executive in September 2012.

From 2007, Burden headed the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, which led the drive to get the Forsyth Barr Stadium built, before becoming Operations Director for Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML), which manages the Stadium along with the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall on behalf of the Dunedin City Council.

In his role as Operations Director for DVML, Burden had responsibility for monitoring the completion of the stadium and ensuring it was fully operational in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He was also responsible for overseeing events and operations at the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall, which was undergoing a major redevelopment at the time.

In December 2012, Burden took on the position of Chief Executive at DVML, overseeing all aspects of the business.

Previously he has worked as a strategy manager for Arrow International and has been involved in the inception, feasibility, and strategy stages of many property-related projects.

Excited to be joining Vbase at such a critical time in the redevelopment of post-earthquake Christchurch, Burden explained "it is an exciting and challenging time and I am really looking forward to playing a role in the future economic success of Christchurch by attracting new events and business to Vbase's impressive line-up of venues.

"There are fantastic facilities in this city for high-value sporting, entertainment, business and convention events and I'm determined to ensure that Christchurch corners its share of these very important markets.

"I am also very excited about the opportunity to work on the city's future venue and anchor project developments."

Vbase is the venue manager of Christchurch's premier convention, entertainment, cultural and sporting venues - CBS Canterbury Arena, Air Force Museum, AMI Stadium and the new Botanic Gardens Centre.

Over the last 12 months the Vbase team has secured, planned and delivered over 1,200 events across its three venues.

Vbase is a 100% subsidiary of Christchurch City Council and is tasked with maximising event days at all venues, and securing events that will attract local, national and international visitors to Christchurch and generate economic benefit for the city.

Click here to visit the Vbase website.

29th December 2013 - OUTGOING DUNEDIN VENUE CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEFENDS MOVE