Marko Hurme appointed Managing Director for UROS LIVE
Marko Hurme appointed Managing Director for UROS LIVE
Marko Hurme has been appointed to run the operations of UROS LIVE under construction in the heart of Tampere. Hurme, who has extensive experience in the international restaurant, hotel and casino sectors, joins the arena from Veikkaus, where he has been responsible for areas such as key business functions and concept and business development. Hurme will take up the post of Managing Director of UROS LIVE at the beginning of November, and he will be based in Tampere.
The vacancy for Managing Director of UROS LIVE was opened in spring and attracted a lot of interest. The aim was to find a leader for the next-generation experience arena who could create perfect conditions for profitable business in Finland and across the borders. Both the number of applicants and their level of competence were very high.
“The head of the arena must have a vision and an understanding of the future operating environment, while being able to make things happen in collaboration with large network of partners. Marko Hurme’s experience and background provide an excellent starting point for succeeding in this unique job. We believe that Marko will be able to take full advantage of the enormous potential of the arena both in Finland and internationally,” says Markku Mäkiaho, Chairman of the Board of KOY Tampereen Monitoimiareena.
Marko Hurme, who has worked on Veikkaus’ management team since 2011, has been in charge of the company’s casino business for a long time. Since last spring, he has been responsible for developing Veikkaus’ concepts and business. Marko Hurme is an international professional with an extensive network, and he is also a sought-after lecturer who also acts as the Finnish representative on the board of the European Casino Association. In addition, Hurme has extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality sector, including the role of General Manager at Palace Kämp Group.
Hurme, who will take up the post of Managing Director of the arena at the beginning of November, is excited about the new job.
“This is the front-row seat in the experience business of the future, and it’s great to be able to create completely new opportunities for consumers and the industry. There is demand for a versatile arena in our modern world; a world in which people are choosing experiences and services over possessions. Even in the digital age, people want to meet each other and experience things together,” says Marko Hurme.
The arena’s foundation stone will be laid next week
UROS LIVE will be the first downtown arena in Europe. Its foundation stone will be laid on Thursday, 5 September 2019, and the business management company will launch its operations later this year.
Leading Finnish companies will be in charge of sports and entertainment events and congresses at UROS LIVE arena. Lapland Hotels will run the hotel operations, and NoHo Partners and Hartwall are among the companies that will manage restaurants and catering services. The flagship of the entertainment activities will be Veikkaus’ casino. Tappara and Ilves will also play their home games at the arena; these games will be an important part of the events calendar. Lippupiste will manage ticket sales for all events. A considerable number of the business premises and boxes have already been reserved.