Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall Name New Director of Programming, Marketing & Business Development

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall have announced the appointment of Jesse Kumagai as its Director of Programming, Marketing & Business Development, effective Monday, July 4, 2016.

"We are thrilled to have Jesse return to our Executive team," says Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall President & CEO, Deane Cameron, who made the announcement. "We are confident that Jesse will continue to help strengthen our presence in the city and deepen our relationships with all of our valued partners and clients who enjoy our buildings. His long history in this community and with Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall as a champion for emerging artists, combined with his passion for the advancement of live music presentation makes him the natural and ideal candidate to lead our growing programming and marketing team."

Kumagai was formerly the Director of Programming at Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall having worked with the organization from 2003 - 2014 and returns to the Corporation from his current position as Vice President, Talent at Live Nation Canada where his responsibilities include programming festivals, tours and individual concerts, bringing many of the world's great artists to Massey Hall. In addition to his professional activities, Kumagai is deeply engaged in Canada's music communities through his many volunteer roles. He is the inaugural board chair of Music Canada Live, the first national trade association representing the live music sector and promoting its economic, cultural, and social benefits. He serves the City of Toronto on its Music Advisory Council and the Province of Ontario as a member of its Music Industry Advisory Committee. He is a board member of both the Unison Benevolent Fund and the Polaris Music Prize, while also acting as a Music Advisory Committee chair for the JUNO Awards.

"Throughout my career, I've been drawn to the places where I felt I could have the greatest impact connecting artists and audiences, helping to develop Canadian talent, and creating new ways to add to our musical heritage," says Kumagai. "The path back to this organization was an unexpected one, but I genuinely believe it's where I can best achieve those goals. I'm returning with a renewed sense of energy, excitement and passion - and I'm determined to have a lot of fun while I'm at it. It feels like I'm coming home."

With a variety of new initiatives underway, driven by Business Growth and Artist Development, Kumagai's experience and expertise will be invaluable to the future. "Our two music venues are icons for the City of Toronto and the entire country," added Cameron. "On behalf of everyone here at the Halls, I am thrilled to welcome Jesse back at a time when we not only are undergoing an historic revitalization of Massey Hall, but as we revitalize our contribution to the music and arts community and enhance our role as a gathering place for Toronto's diverse communities."