Las Vegas, NV -After ten years of being the executive director of the Thomas & Mack Center, Sam Boyd Stadium and Cox Pavilion, Daren Libonati has signed a contract to become the president and Chief Operating Officer of Justice Entertainment Group (JEG). Libonati will be joining long time entertainment veteran Susan Joseph, Chairmen of JEG.
“I’m so excited at the opportunities that exist throughout the world as it relates to entertainment and business,” said Libonati. “I have had so many wonderful mentors within the entertainment and live event industry over the past 25 years. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my ideas, and wrapping my arms around a handful of clients, who represent some of the unique sporting and entertainment companies today.”
Libonati became executive director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ three facilities in 2001. Over the years, he has maintained and built strong and profitable relationships with hotels, promoters and industry leaders. These partnerships resulted in events and sponsorships that increased revenue and shined a light on the facilities and Las Vegas. Events such as, The NBA All-Star game, PRIDE fighting Championships, Professional Bull Riders World Finals, Monster Jam , and USA Sevens Rugby , all contributed to the success of the facilities. The Thomas & Mack Center continually ranked in the top twenty of top-grossing NBA/NHL venues. Annually, the three facilities brought in over $275 million dollars in non-gaming revenue to Las Vegas.
In order to preserve the successful relationships between Libonati, his clients, and the facilities, Jim Livengood, athletic director of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Libonati are discussing opportunities.
“UNLV and the facilities have been an important part of my life,” said Libonati. “I started my career at the Thomas & Mack Center over 25 years ago working in the parking lot. It would be wonderful to continue working with the facilities and open new doors with JEG.”
Susan Joseph is an entertainment leader with over 35 years experience in the music and artist management industry. She began her career working for ISA, and shortly after was asked to assist the manager of Seals and Crofts. Joseph went on to represent herself managing multiples artists throughout her career ,including: Tower of Power, Eddie Kendricks, Olivia Hussey, Bobby Caldwel, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Neal Carter, Diane Warren, and Betrice Rosen. She opened up a music publishing company, Hidden Words Music, and has sold over 500 million records. Joseph continues to manage and book artists around the world.
“It is an understatement to say that we feel extremely privileged to have Daren Libonati join our organization. I can honestly say that he will be a tremendous asset to Justice Entertainment Group and their business model,” said Joseph. “His experience, his knowledge, his integrity and his work ethic is something that we have not encountered very often in our industry. We welcome him and look forward to a wonderful journey together. I can only say that Daren Libonati does ‘not need practice’ ”
Joseph and Libonati are confident that their combined 60 years of business and industry experience will lead to a wonderful and successful business relationship.
Justiceentertainmentgroup.com
