Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, today announced the appointment of Wesley Cullen as vice president of international venue development. Cullen will be based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will report to Brian Kabatznick, OVG’s executive vice president business development, facilities international, to identify and develop sports and entertainment venues worldwide, including new venue opportunities and purchasing existing facilities. Cullen will report to Kabatznick and will assume her new role effective immediately.
Kabatznick said, “We are thrilled to have Wesley join our international venue development team. As a highly respected arena executive we welcome her management expertise, passion to support OVG’s environmental initiatives and commitment to working in wonderful global cities.”
“It is an exciting time to join this talented team to lead the industry in sustainability and inclusion as we positively disrupt this field we are so passionate about,” said Cullen. “I am honored to work alongside Brian and learn from one of our industry’s masters of international development. OVG is phenomenal at opening doors for others and has built a team of superstars that I feel privileged to join.”
“Wesley is known as a positive disruptor and community leader who is passionate about the power of diversity and making good things happen,” said Francesca Bodie, president of business development, Oak View Group. “I’m pleased to welcome her to our world-class team and excited to see her effectively accelerate our global growth.”
With more than two decades of experience in international business, venue operations & design, touring, premium experiences, and branding, Cullen will play an instrumental role in expanding OVG’s portfolio of sports and entertainment venues worldwide. Before joining OVG, Cullen served as general manager of CASA BACARDÍ visitor center in Puerto Rico, the second-most visited tourism venue in metro San Juan, and was responsible for overseeing the visitor experience, brand, and promoting its sustainable production techniques. Cullen’s passion for the environment will also play a key role in the sustainability programs for OVG’s Arena São Paulo located within São Paulo’s premier entertainment destination, the Anhembi District. Prior to BACARDÍ, Cullen worked for El San Juan Hotel, a beachfront property in Puerto Rico, where she was chief experience officer. Previously, she ran the 18,000 seat Coliseo de Puerto Rico, creating world-class experiences for concerts and events. Before moving to Puerto Rico, she helmed events around the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, managing international live events for World Wrestling Entertainment.
Cullen has been recognized by Caribbean Business as one of Puerto Rico’s “Power 100,” as well as receiving the “Ideas for Puerto Rico” award from ConPRometidos and recognized by Venues Today as a “Woman of Influence.” In addition to her work expertise, she is active in the community. She founded and heads the non-profit organization Super Positivo dedicated to keeping the beaches clean. She is actively involved in promoting leadership, particularly for women, and supporting the entrepreneurial and arts ecosystems through her role on the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture, as a speaker and volunteering for organizations such as on the sales and marketing committee of Discover Puerto Rico and the Women’s Economic Forum – Caribbean region.
