Longtime SiriusXM executive Ross Zapin has left the satellite radio company for a new role at TKO. Zapin has joined On Location, TKO’s global premium hospitality company, as SVP, General Manager and Head of Music.
What We Know: TKO confirmed the move to Barrett Media. Zapin reports to Brian Wilder, Chief Business Officer of On Location. In his new role, Zapin will lead and grow On Location’s music and sports crossover business. That work spans touring hospitality, festival services, owned and operated events, and sports rights holder partnerships.
On Location serves as the official hospitality partner to more than 150 rights holders. That list includes the NFL, the LA28 Olympic Games, the NCAA, WWE, and UFC. TKO acquired On Location from Endeavor in a deal that also included IMG and Professional Bull Riders.
Zapin arrives with deep music industry roots. Before joining SiriusXM, he worked in promotion at DreamWorks Records. While with SiriusXM, he led promotions, events, and talent relations. The company also tapped him to run its Hollywood studios operation and build its Los Angeles presence in 2019. Most recently, he served as SVP and General Manager of events, promotions, and West Coast operations.
Additionally, Zapin also oversaw high-profile live events for SiriusXM, including the company’s Small Stage Series. Howard Stern Show listeners know him as well. He often turned up as the subject of on-air bits.
What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM has not said who will take over Zapin’s responsibilities. With his move to TKO, it’s unclear if Zapin will appear on Stern’s show going forward. Whether the King of Media is supportive of Zapin’s move is also unknown.
What It Means: SiriusXM loses one of its most-connected music executives. His relationships with artists, managers, and labels took decades to build. Now, TKO gets to put that network to work. As a result, On Location gains a true music and business specialist. He arrives as the company pushes deeper into the space where sports, live music, and premium experiences meet.
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