# Michael Rapino

> Michael Rapino is the Canadian-American president and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. A Lakehead University graduate and former Labatt marketing executive, he co-founded Core Audience Entertainment, led Live Nation following its 2005 separation from Clear Channel, and oversaw the 2010 Ticketmaster merger. His tenure combines global concert expansion, festival partnerships and film production with scrutiny of Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s market power.

- **Role:** President & Chief Executive Officer at Live Nation Entertainment
- **Organizations:** Live Nation Entertainment, Core Audience Entertainment, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Clear Channel Entertainment, Live Nation Productions
- **From:** Thunder Bay, Canada
- **Nationality:** Canadian-American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Administration, Lakehead University, Honorary Doctor of Commerce, Lakehead University
- **Known for:** Led Live Nation through its 2005 spinoff and 2010 Ticketmaster merger., Named No. 1 on Billboard’s Power 100 in 2018., Received Lakehead University’s honorary Doctor of Commerce in 2015.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Administration.
- **Before 2005** — Spent ten years at Labatt in marketing and entertainment; co-founded Core Audience Entertainment, sold it to SFX, and later led European and international music operations at Clear Channel Entertainment.
- **2005** — Became president and CEO of Live Nation as the business spun off from Clear Channel.
- **2010** — Oversaw the Ticketmaster merger and became CEO of the combined Live Nation Entertainment.
- **2015** — Received an honorary Doctor of Commerce from Lakehead University.
- **2016** — Helped launch Live Nation Productions.
- **2026** — Entered a new employment agreement effective October 1 extending his term through December 31, 2031.

## Achievements

- Led Live Nation through its 2005 spinoff and 2010 Ticketmaster merger.
- Named No. 1 on Billboard’s Power 100 in 2018.
- Received Lakehead University’s honorary Doctor of Commerce in 2015.
- Helped launch Live Nation Productions; executive producer credits include A Star Is Born and Believer.
- Led Live Nation during a year with approximately 159 million concert attendances in 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — An employment agreement effective October 1 extends his term as president and CEO and board member through December 31, 2031.
- **2026-07** — Live Nation reported Q2 revenue of $7.7 billion and nearly 49 million concert attendances.
- **2026-06** — In a Pollstar interview he emphasised global expansion and infrastructure in emerging territories.
- **2026-04** — A federal jury found for the states on remaining antitrust claims against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The company contested the verdict.

## Links

- Website: https://www.livenation.com/michael-rapino/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rapino-870232186/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Michael_Rapino
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrapino/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-rapino
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-16