Preston Potts Digital Reporter

Former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has been appointed as the new chief executive of Ticketek’s parent company TEG.

The former leader of Woolworths will take over from long-serving TEG CEO Geoff Jones.

Mr Jones, who led Ticketek’s parent company for 14 years, will become TEG’s new chairman.

Mr Banducci said stepping into the new role aligns with his “personal passion for live events and a strong belief in the increasing importance of live experiences in general”.

“I am honoured to join TEG at this exciting time in its journey,” he said.

Amid a series of shake ups at the ticketing giant, Mr Jones said he was delighted to “pass the baton” to Mr Banducci, who has a “proven track record” that makes him “the ideal leader to guide TEG into its next phase”.

“As chairman, I look forward to working with Brad and the team to continue to grow the business,” he said in a statement.

It comes after the events company appointed former Seven marketing director Larissa Ozard as general manager in marketing (live entertainment) and announced the appointment of Simon Cahill, head of commercial, and Jono Whyman, general manager of SXSW Sydney, as co-managing directors for SXSW Sydney.

Mr Banducci had a controversial exit from Woolworths last year, and was criticised for his response to price-gouging claims investigated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission and the company’s decision to drop Australia Day merchandise.

He left Woolworths just days after what was a train wreck interview on ABC’s Four Corners, during which he walked out of an interview before coming back, as he was grilled over allegations of price gouging and a lack of fair competition in the Australian supermarket sector.

At the time he said in a statement it was his intention to “retire, not resign”, as he felt it was the right time to “pass the baton”.

Mr Banducci has a 30-year portfolio of experience in consumer and retail, working for Woolworths Group for 13 years and eight and half years as Group CEO.

News Credit: https://www.skynews.com.au/business/markets/ideal-leader-former-woolworths-ceo-brad-banducci-lands-new-role-at-ticketek-parent-company-amid-executive-shake-up/news-story/e2261a5fedf8ba7798066a9221e0b5f7