Key Takeaways
- Rebecca Kane Burton has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Superstruct Entertainment, Europe’s largest independent festivals group.
- Kane Burton brings 30 years of live entertainment experience, including leadership roles at Oak View Group, AEG, and Really Useful Theatres.
- Superstruct CEO Alex Mahon expressed excitement about Kane Burton’s appointment, citing her experience in event management, partnership, and F&B.
- Superstruct has undergone significant changes in recent months, including the departure of co-founder James Barton and the appointment of a new CEO, Alex Mahon.
- The company has faced controversy in the past, including a boycott by over 100 artists due to KKR’s purported economic interests in Israel.
Introduction to Rebecca Kane Burton’s Appointment
Rebecca Kane Burton has joined Superstruct Entertainment, Europe’s largest independent festivals group, as Chief Operating Officer. With 30 years of experience in the live entertainment industry, Kane Burton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her previous positions include Executive Vice President of Venue Management at Oak View Group (OVG) International, VP & General Manager of AEG’s The O2 in London, and MD of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatres (now LW Theatres). Her experience in managing large venues and events will undoubtedly be an asset to Superstruct, which owns festivals such as Sonar, Zwarte Cross, Wacken, and Field Day.
Superstruct Entertainment’s Recent Changes
Superstruct Entertainment has undergone significant changes in recent months. The company’s co-founder, James Barton, resigned last month, less than 18 months after its $1.4 billion acquisition by investment fund KKR. This departure follows the exit of Barton’s co-founder, Roderick Schlosser, who left the company in 2025. Additionally, Alex Mahon, the former boss of publicly owned British broadcaster Channel 4, took the helm at Superstruct in the fall of 2025. Mahon’s appointment marked a new era for the company, and the recent appointment of Kane Burton as Chief Operating Officer is expected to further strengthen the company’s leadership team.
Controversy Surrounding Superstruct
Superstruct has faced controversy in the past, particularly with regards to KKR’s purported economic interests in Israel. Last year, over 100 artists publicly boycotted the firm’s festivals in protest, sparking a global debate about the company’s involvement in the region. The boycott highlighted the complex issues surrounding the entertainment industry and its connections to global politics. Despite this controversy, Superstruct remains a major player in the live entertainment industry, with a portfolio of festivals and events that attract millions of attendees each year.
Oak View Group’s Leadership Transition
Meanwhile, venue giant OVG has confirmed Chris Granger as its new Chief Executive Officer, following his five-month tenure as Interim CEO. The company’s leadership transition comes after the departure of former CEO Tim Leiweke, who stepped down last summer after being indicted by the US Department of Justice for allegedly rigging the bidding process for an arena at the University of Texas. Leiweke’s departure marked a significant change for OVG, and Granger’s appointment is expected to bring stability and continuity to the company. The recent pardon of Leiweke by US President Donald Trump has also brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding his departure.
Future Outlook for Superstruct
With the appointment of Rebecca Kane Burton as Chief Operating Officer, Superstruct Entertainment is poised for a new era of growth and success. The company’s diverse portfolio of festivals and events, combined with Kane Burton’s expertise in event management and venue operations, is expected to drive innovation and excellence in the live entertainment industry. As the company navigates the complex landscape of global events and entertainment, Superstruct is well-positioned to remain a major player in the industry, with a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for attendees and artists alike. With a strong leadership team in place, Superstruct is ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future, and to continue to thrive as a leading independent festivals group in Europe.
