Ron Bension, ex-ASM Global CEO, joins Venu as strategic advisor

Venu Holding Corporation (NYSE American: VENU) announced that Ron Bension, former President and CEO of ASM Global, has joined the company as a strategic advisor to Founder, Chairman, and CEO J.W. Roth.

Bension has also been nominated for election to Venu's Board of Directors at the company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, subject to shareholder approval.

Bension most recently led ASM Global, a venue management company with a portfolio of more than 400 venues across five continents, through its $2.3 billion acquisition by Legends, completed in August 2024. His career includes serving as Chairman and CEO of Universal Studios Recreation Group from 1990 through 1996, where he oversaw multi-billion-dollar theme park expansions in Japan, Orlando, and Hollywood. He also led Live Nation Entertainment's House of Blues Entertainment division and later served as President of Venue Nation, growing Live Nation's venue portfolio from 35 to approximately 120 locations. He currently serves as a board member of Merlin Entertainments.

"I took this role because I love what J.W. is building," Bension said. "I've spent my career operating and transacting at the highest levels of this industry and I've never seen a model quite like VENU's."

In his advisory role, Bension will work directly with Roth to evaluate strategic growth opportunities for the company.

Venu describes itself as an owner, operator, and developer of live entertainment destinations, with venues operating and in development across Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. According to a company press release, its portfolio includes the Ford Amphitheater, Sunset Amphitheaters, and Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, among other properties.

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