PRESS RELEASE: Legend of Live Events and Entertainment to Retire After 50 Years. Harvey Lister to Take a Bow.
Legends Global advises that Harvey Lister AM, President and Chief Executive for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region, has given notice of his intention to retire and will step down effective 30 June 2027.
Harvey will retire after more than 50 years in the entertainment industry and will continue to support the company over the next 12 months in a Senior Advisor role, to support the transition of the business and focus on several major pipeline projects.
Long-term APAC/MENA Chief Operating Officer, Peter Loxton, will lead the region from 1 July this year, reporting directly to Legends Global CEO, Dan Levy. Paul Sergeant will continue to lead across the Middle East and Asian regions as Executive Vice President.
Harvey Lister said: “I was blown away by the first live show I ever saw which was Disney on Parade in Victoria Park in the late 1960s, the exact park where millions will be visiting Brisbane’s brand-new stadium in Brisbane 2032.
“In 1975, we launched a concert and events management business out of Queensland, working closely the major promoters to tour live bands such as Billy Thorpe, Sherbet, Skyhooks and ACDC on their first ever national tours.
“Since then, we have never looked back and through a series of businesses we have been involved in presenting more than 40,000 major events across sport, the arts, convention and exhibitions, including Olympic and Paralympic Games, G20 meetings, World Cups and tens of thousands of music concerts, conferences and major events. To now being part of the Legends Global network, with over 450 venues globally is an ideal time to retire.
“We really are in the “goosebumps industry” and I was reminded of that when I was lucky enough to take one of my grandsons to see his first Monster Trucks show at Brisbane Entertainment Centre recently, watching him marvel and enjoy the show reminded me what I love most about this industry.
“Our wonderful people across APAC and the Middle East are one of the reasons I’ve stayed in this industry for so long. I am extremely proud of those who I have had the pleasure to grow and mentor and provide some with lifelong careers.”
Harvey has made this decision now, so he can dedicate precious time to make life just a ‘little brighter’ for his beautiful wife, Margie, who has been battling Parkinson’s.
Legends Global CEO, Dan Levy said: “On behalf of everyone at Legends Global, I want to thank Harvey for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the industry globally.
“As many can attest, Harvey is never short on stories and he is held in the highest regard around the world in the live entertainment industry. Through hard work, commercial acumen, and sheer determination, he has created countless opportunities for artists, promoters, major government and venue owners, and business partners throughout his incredible 50-year journey.”
“One of Harvey’s greatest legacies is a strong team of capable leaders and the successful business he has built across APAC and MENA. I look forward to developing that further with Peter Loxton and his leaders.”
Long term business partner Rod Pilbeam said: “Harvey is a ‘once in a generation’ visionary, and I was lucky enough to meet him in the early days of commercial radio in Brisbane in the early 1970s. We shared a joint love of live entertainment and since then an amazing career, business, and lifelong friendship.”
Harvey reflected on the timing of his announcement: “The APAC region is performing strongly, delivering some of our best financial and operational results we’ve ever achieved which reflects what we are seeing right across the Legends Global group. It’s a good time to transition out of the business when it is at the absolute top, with a strong pipeline of projects into the future. I’m looking forward to assisting the transition of the business into safe hands with Peter Loxton and our long-term leadership team.”