Live Nation Ups The Ante With Appointment Of International Country Music Expert Milly Olykan

Live Nation are going to be shining a spotlight on country music in a massive way in 2025. As of January, Milly Olykan will be moving into a new role of Senior VP of Artist Development and Global Touring at Live Nation.

As a powerhouse music company, the appointment of Olykan to further assist develop and grow the country and americana strategy across the globe is a bold statement about the continued growth and opportunities we’re seeing now around the country genre.

Based out of London, Olykan will be reporting to the president of touring Omar Al-Joulani. 

The role will see Olykan working alongside Live Nation’s international concert promoters. Identifying new and exciting touring opportunities, driving growth in international country music markets all whilst fostering relationships within the artist community, will be the forefront focus of the new role. 

Previously working at the Country Music Association (CMA) since 2018 as the VP of International Relations and Development, Olykan is at the top of her field. Olykan made leaps and bounds for the genre in international markets. Instigating the creation of local taskforces filled with experts spanning different sectors of the industry to help provide insights and strategies specific to local markets. 

Olykan’s accolades don’t end there, she was one of the founding promoters of the UK’s largest country music festival Country to Country (C2C). This also help her earn a CMA Award the Jo Walker Meader International Award which recognises an individual for their outstanding contributions to country music’s growth internationally. 

“I’ve been so fortunate to work under Sarah Trahern’s incredible leadership at CMA, an organization whose mission is to grow country music around the world. It’s been a privilege to have built so many meaningful relationships worldwide, and I’m excited to continue advancing that mission from my new role at Live Nation.” says Olykan

“Country and Americana artists are touring more of the world than ever before as the global demand for their music is on the rise, and Milly’s extensive experience and industry connections make her a great asset to support our efforts in continuing to expand touring of those genres worldwide,” says Al-Joulani. “We’re excited for the opportunities her leadership will create for artists and their tours around the world.”