Legends Global has made two senior appointments across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, both effective September 2026.
Mark Jan Kar becomes senior vice-president, MENA and APAC strategic projects, moving up from senior vice-president entertainment, content and programming for the Middle East region. He will oversee new business across both regions, reporting to Legends Global executive vice-president for Asia and MENA Paul Sergeant, and retains oversight of Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Santiago Olea takes over as general manager of the arena, which is owned by Dubai Holding Entertainment. He joins from the King Abdullah Financial District Conference Centre in Riyadh, where he has been general manager since 2024. The 28,000sqm venue includes a 1,215sqm banquet hall used for conferences, exhibitions, product launches and award ceremonies.
Olea has 12 years’ experience across venues in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai. He was previously chief operating officer for MBC Events, and before that managed Live Nation venues including Maraya in Saudi Arabia and The Arena in Kuwait.
The moves follow Legends Global’s joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF), announced in November 2025, under which the company will operate EIF-developed exhibition and convention centres and entertainment venues in support of Vision 2030.
Peter Loxton, chief operating officer for Asia Pacific and Middle East, said: “With a variety of strong opportunities across the dynamic Middle East and growing APAC market we are pleased to have Mark’s leadership continue across the region.”
Olea said: “It’s been adopted by locals and loved by guests and artists, and I look forward to working alongside the expert team at the Arena to deliver the next phase of growth and economic impact for the city.”
