BUSINESS
More than three decades creating, developing and operating businesses in live entertainment - from one of the world's most celebrated jazz clubs to major international concert promoters, festivals and scalable entertainment IP.
RONNIE SCOTT'S CLUB
Artistic Director | 2005-2007
Following the acquisition of Ronnie Scott's by Sally Greene, Leo was appointed Artistic Director of the world famous jazz club, with responsibility for reshaping its artistic and commercial direction.
During his two-year tenure he curated, budgeted, contracted, marketed and promoted more than 400 acts, including Tony Bennett, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Winton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Brandford Marsalis and Jamie Cullum. He also introduced new revenue-generating programming, created the Ronnie Scott's Music Awards, developed branded touring ensembles and scripted and presented the club's chart topping podcast.
AEG LIVE / THE O2 - Senior Promoter | 2007-2009
After Ronnie Scott's, Leo joined AEG Live as Senior Booker and in-house promoter for Indigo at The O2, helping establish the newly opened venue through a deliberately broad programme spanning contemporary music, heritage artists, jazz, soul and classical performances.
He booked, contracted, marketed and promoted artists including Public Enemy, Chic, RogerDaltrey, Jeff Beck, Billy Ocean, Level 42, REO Speedwagon and Joan Armatrading; developed branded residencies; co-produced a 30-date Royal Philharmonic Orchestra season and negotiated a £1million sponsorship agreement with Classic FM.
FULL CIRCLE LIVE & BLUESFEST
Co-Founder & Managing Director | 2009-2011
In 2009 Leo co-founded Full Circle Live, creating a business focused on venue programming, UK touring and large-scale live events. The company worked with organisations including Bauer Media, Chelsea FC and Park Plaza Hotels, while creating and touring original live entertainment formats.
In 2011 Leo created, curated and promoted the first BluesFest London. With the company barely two years old, Live Nation approached to acquire Full Circle Live. The acquisition was completed in 2011, with Leo remaining Managing Director and becoming Director of Live Events at Live Nation.
2011 - London Clubs
BluesFest launches across a network of London venues
2012 - Major Venues & Expansion
Multiple nights at Shepherd's Bush Empire, Hammersmith Apollo, Royal Festival Hall and venues across Manchester.
2013 - 2015 - Royal Albert Hall
Five-day residencies throughout the building in the daytimes and evening double houses in the main arena.
2016 - 2019 - The O2
BluesFest expands across the entire O2 complex for 4 days and nights, becoming the world's largest indoor festival.
LIVE NATION
Director Of Live Events | 2011 - 2022
Following the acquisition of Full Circle Live, Leo spent eleven years at Live Nation as Director of Live Events, developing BluesFest while also creating, booking and operating a broad portfolio of indoor tours, festivals and outdoor events.
For three years he was solely responsible for booking, curating, contracting, promoting, marketing and ticketing across 14 outdoor venues including racecourses and football, rugby and cricket grounds, selling approximately 300,000 tickets annually.
Alongside BluesFest, his work included national touring productions and major live projects associated with BBC Radio 2, heritage artists and repertoire-led entertainment. He left Live Nation in February 2022 after eleven years with the company.
CONSULTING - 2022 - 2024
Following Live Nation, Leo undertook strategic consulting work including the opening period of HERE at Outernet London and music and events consultancy for immersive technology platform Eyeora.
THE SHOWTIME GROUP - Building scalable live entertainment IP
CEO & Founder
The Showtime Group brings together more than three decades of experience live entertainment: developing, producing and licensing repertoire-led concert formats built around repeatable production models and long-term intellectual property.
Following investment from Antamar Capital Partners, the company is scaling a portfolio that includes Icons Orchestral, The Van Morrison Alumni Band and Secret Sax Party, alongside established live formats created by the business.
More than 200 shows.
More than 250,000 tickets.
BBC Sounds of the 60s Live has staged more than 200 performances and sold in excess of 250,000 tickets since launching in 2019.
Icons Orchestral has already launched through a residency at the London Palladium, placing iconic repertoire at the centre of a premium live concert format.
