Downtown-based Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc. has named Andrew Simon as its new general manager of the L.A. Live retail center.
Simon will oversee all aspects of L.A. Live’s operations, programming, tenant relations, capital improvements and other initiatives. The 4-million-square-foot campus includes venues such as Peacock Theater, Peacock Place, The Novo and the Grammy Museum and lies in proximity to AEG’s Crypto.com Arena.
“I am honored to join AEG and lead L.A. Live, a destination that has long set the standard for live entertainment and hospitality,” Simon said in a statement. “This campus embodies the energy and spirit of Los Angeles, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to build on its legacy, elevate the guest experience, and expand opportunities for tenants, artists, and the community.”
Simon comes from Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, where he was president and chief executive of the entertainment district. For 12 years, he also was chief executive of sports at AXS TV, which was founded by billionaire Mark Cuban. AEG has held a minority stake in that operation since 2012. Prior to that, Simon worked for Cox Communications, Deloitte and MGM Resorts.
“Andrew’s proven leadership and strategic vision make him the ideal choice to guide L.A. Live into its next chapter,” Todd Goldstein, chief revenue officer of AEG, said in a statement.
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Caruso-owned Palisades Village on Saturday held its annual Christmas tree lighting event, even as the retail center remains closed as it is repaired from the Palisades Fire.
Attendees were treated to a 50-foot-tall white fir that was grown in Mt. Shasta and decorated with 3,000 lights and 1,500 ornaments. They also enjoyed live music, ornament making, kids crafts, face painting and other activities in an event billed as “a meaningful moment that reflects the strength and spirit that define the Palisades.”
The Sunset Smash food truck and King Cone provided refreshments and recovery partners with Steadfast LA – a nonprofit coalition founded by Caruso’s own Rick Caruso – were recognized.
