As we continue our ongoing series of staff interviews to reveal what goes on behind-the-scenes at Ticketmaster and TicketWeb UK, we chat with Jason Kaldis to find out more about his role at the company.
Tell us your story – how did you end up as Groups Account & Sales Executive?
I came back to the UK from Greece in 2013, after working there as a concert promoter for 14 years, doing everything from basement gigs to stadium shows with artists from Joss Stone to Iron Maiden. I then joined Ticketmaster and worked my way up from Sales Agent to Groups Account & Sales Executive in two short years.
Can you explain a normal day at work for you?
I’m usually working on various requests from a variety of clients, ranging from schools to social clubs for multinational companies. It’s all about figuring out how to get the best offers for our clients and also finding new products which will appeal to groups. We’re always working with the Client Account Managers, Sales Operations and Marketing, which really appeals to me as I enjoy the cooperative nature of the job.
What has been your favourite event to work on?
I really enjoyed working on the 2016 World Rugby Under 20s Championship as we mainly dealt with schools and youth groups, and the RFU were extremely supportive and accommodating. I also tend to work on site when I can with Ticketmaster, such as at festivals like Leeds Festival and Parklife, which of course appeals to the promoter in me.
Having been a promoter, do you miss that side of the industry?
Well, I still do promoting but as a side job. I’ve moved from music to stand-up though and now produce tours for Greek stand-up comedians in Europe.
That’s interesting. Tell us more about it.
I was always a fan of stand-up but the Greek scene was not as strong before I left. Since then it’s exploded and there are many amazing acts. So I thought there’s a big Greek population in Europe, expats like me, why not try it? It’ll be three years in May and it’s been going amazing. I’ve had the pleasure of introducing Greek stand-up to the UK, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Norway and all the shows have been a roaring success. It’s cool to be able to bring a “taste of home” to the Greek expats and their response is quite uplifting.
And finally, what live event are you most excited for in 2018?
I’ll be very cheeky and say my next tour in Febuary. We’re visiting eight different countries and it’ll be the first time a Greek comedian has played Sweden and the Czech Republic in addition to regular tour stops in the UK, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland which is always nice. I’m generally trying to add countries to the list, so fingers crossed we might make it as far as Malta or even somewhere more exotic.
For more information on groups booking or Jason’s Greek comedy events email [email protected].
