Madison Square Garden Co. said Monday it has named David Goodman president of productions and live entertainment, effective Sept. 22. He will report to MSG President and CEO, Tad Smith.
In this new role, Goodman will oversee MSG Entertainment’s productions and franchises, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York and other markets, as well as the company’s new large scale theatrical production, which is set to debut in spring 2015. He will also be responsible for new business development, including launching new productions at MSG venues: The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, the Forum in Inglewood, CA and the Chicago Theatre. In addition, Goodman will be charged with extending MSGE productions and events into new markets and expanding the Rockettes brand. Other responsibilities will include overseeing the development and execution of strategies that maximize the impact and success of MSGE’s live event marketing, sponsorship, group sales and merchandising.
“We are pleased to welcome David to MSG Entertainment, one of the country’s leading live entertainment organizations and home to one of the most beloved live event traditions in America, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” Smith said in a statement. “David brings considerable experience as a successful and innovative leader in live events, and his expertise will be instrumental as we strengthen and build upon our roster of iconic live entertainment assets.”
Before joining MSG, Goodman spent 12 years at CBS, most recently as president of CBS Live Experiences. Prior to that, Goodman held the position of president, CBS Interactive Music Group, where he oversaw consumer/digital music properties that included Last.fm, MetroLyrics and Radio.com. During that time, he also created and produced the award-winning “Live on Letterman,” one of the web’s most successful live music series.
On the television side, Goodman launched Saban Entertainment’s domestic television division. As senior vice president, domestic television, overseeing marketing, distribution and home video, Goodman was a key player behind the innovative strategy that helped make Mighty Morphin Power Rangers a global phenomenon. He also developed and launched the popular and long-running tween girl series, “Sweet Valley High,” as well as developed and oversaw Saban’s programming partnership with UPN.
“As a producer and programmer, I am thrilled to join The Madison Square Garden Company and look forward to working with Jim Dolan, Tad and their outstanding management team,” Goodman said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to further develop and grow MSG’s iconic brands and create new productions for its legendary venues is extremely exciting.”
