MSc Business in Technology (MBT)

John Langford is President, Asia Pacific at AEG International, where he is responsible for leading and expanding AEG’s presence across one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing live entertainment markets. In this role, he oversees AEG’s portfolio of world-class venues in the region, including Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, UOB Live in Bangkok and IG Arena in Nagoya, alongside major arena development projects currently underway across the region.

John is focused on strengthening AEG’s footprint across Asia Pacific, driving sustainable long-term growth, and delivering best-in-class live entertainment experiences for fans, partners and artists.

Previously, John served as Executive Vice President, Venues, AEG International, with responsibility for leading the company’s international portfolio of flagship arenas. Under his leadership, this business delivered consistent record-breaking results, hosting more than 750 events annually and welcoming over six million guests, while achieving double-digit growth across premium experiences, sponsorship and venue utilisation.

John joined AEG in 2016 as Vice President and General Manager of The O2 in London, where he led the venue’s continued evolution as one of the world’s most successful entertainment destinations. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer, Europe in 2019, before assuming broader international responsibilities and ultimately his current role overseeing the Asia Pacific region.

With more than 30 years’ experience in live entertainment and venue management, John brings deep operational expertise and a strong commercial focus to his leadership role. He holds a degree in Business from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MBA in Strategic Marketing from the University of Hull, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Climate Change from the University of Cambridge. He is a strong advocate for sustainability within the live entertainment industry and is committed to advancing AEG International’s leadership in addressing the climate crisis.

Robert Fitzpatrick was appointed President of Arenas Europe (formerly European Arenas Association) in 2025, succeeding Olivier Toth.

As President, he is leading the organisation into a new phase with an expanded remit across education, advocacy and industry leadership. Building on the Association’s 35-year legacy, his vision is to strengthen collaboration across the sector, invest in the next generation of talent and create greater influence across the European arena ecosystem.

A seasoned C-suite executive, Robert has successfully led both public and private organisations for more than 25 years. Until recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Odyssey Trust Company in Belfast, a role he held for eighteen years, before assuming the position of Chair of the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Club.

Robert has been closely involved with the EAA since 2010, including co-founding the Arena Resilience Alliance with Olivier Toth during the pandemic and most recently serving as Chair of the EAA Education Steering Group.

Throughout his career, Robert’s strategic vision has driven competitive success and led transformational growth across commercial operations, customer engagement and organisational development on an international scale.

In 2023, he was named European Leader of the Year by the European Ice Hockey Clubs Alliance, recognising his leadership, innovation, and influence across the wider European ice hockey community.

Robert holds a Master’s in Business Administration and serves as a Visiting Professor at the Ulster University Business School.

Marie Lindqvist is SVP Northern Europe for Legends Global, where she oversees a portfolio of major arenas, stadiums and theaters. Marie has an extensive background as a senior executive in live entertainment, venue management and the travel industry. Her background is in TUI, AEG, ASM Global, among others, before joining Legends Global. Marie is based out of Stockholm, Sweden

Jorge Vinha da Silva holds a degree in Engineering and postgraduate qualifications in Management and Marketing, combining a strong technical background with extensive business expertise.

CEO and Board Member of MEO Arena, Portugal’s leading multi-purpose arena, and CEO and Board Member of MEO Blueticket, one of the country's leading ticketing companies.

A senior executive with more than 25 years of international experience in live entertainment, ticketing, venue operations, congresses, and business events. Proven track record in strategic leadership, business development, commercial growth, and stakeholder engagement.

He currently serves as Chair of the ICCA Iberian Chapter (International Congress and Convention Association) and previously served as Board Member and Vice President of Arenas Europe (2017–2025), representing Southern Europe.

For over 30 years Mr. Kabatznick has worked in the United States and the international entertainment business sector as senior executive for the world’s leading companies. Since 2019 Brian oversees Oak View Group’s sports and entertainment venue development efforts throughout several international markets. This includes planned facilities in the UK, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Previously, Brian managed AEG’s expansion of facilities in Europe as their Vice President of Business Development. Brian also held the position of President for the European Arenas Association; a collaborative network of over 40 arenas located in 20+ European countries.

Brian’s industry relationships and expertise has contributed to the development of planned, new and/or existing stadium and arena venues in various global markets including, Paris France, Madrid Spain, Istanbul Turkey, Brussels Belgium, Cardiff Wales, Glasgow Scotland, Stockholm Sweden, Lisbon Portugal, Oslo Norway, Abu Dhabi UAE, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Sydney Australia, Mumbai India and Tokyo Japan.

Brian began his career working for Ticketmaster, the world’s leading ticket sales network, having managed several regional and international offices located in New York, Boston, Chicago and Seattle, and its European Headquarters in London.