London Stadium appoints key former Wembley figure to help drive ambitious new venue strategy

London Stadium have appointed former Wembley Stadium programming manager Matt Owen as associate director, as the venue looks to expand its live entertainment offering.

The move comes amid ambitions to attract more major concerts and leisure events to the 80,000-capacity stadium in east London.

London Stadium make key appointment amid new live event plans

Owen joins from Oak View Group, where he worked as global touring and content senior projects manager, having previously spent almost six years at Wembley Stadium overseeing event programming.

His experience will support London Stadium's plans to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive live events market.

The venue hosted three Take That concerts and two Metallica shows during the summer, demonstrating its potential beyond its role as West Ham United's home ground.

Commercial director Gary Bell said Owen's expertise would help attract major artists, tours and events while delivering benefits for the surrounding area.

Owen added that he was excited to contribute to the stadium's future and its role in the wider development of the island and surrounding area.

FGG says: London Stadium can build on its multi-purpose appeal

Owen's appointment makes sense as London Stadium looks to maximise its potential beyond football.

His Wembley experience should prove valuable as the venue competes for major tours and events.

The biggest challenge now will be turning that ambition into a sustainable non-football calendar that still benefits West Ham, the stadium and wider east London.