AEG Presents has made a series of promotions and new hires within its Global Touring division, elevating two long-serving touring executives and strengthening its marketing leadership across touring and digital.
Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn, previously serving as Tour Directors, have been promoted to Senior Tour Directors.
In addition, Ryan Erickson has joined AEG Presents as Senior Director of Marketing, while Emily Harenza has been appointed Director of Digital Marketing.
Merrell and Hilburn are both based in Nashville.
Merrell will focus on operational synergy between office and road teams, reporting to Jonathan Baden, SVP of Production & Direct Support. Hilburn will oversee the development of departmental systems and processes, reporting to Jenny Heifetz Henault, SVP of Touring.
“It’s an honor to be part of this world-class team that continues to expand our reach with record breaking artists.”
Caleb Merrell
Erickson is based in Los Angeles and reports to Rich Holtzman, SVP of Marketing & Artist Development. Harenza is based in New York, reporting to Victoria Cappelli Greiner, Senior Director of Marketing.
Commenting on the promotions and hires, Rich Schaefer, President of Global Touring at AEG Presents, said: “Laurel and Caleb have played integral roles in our touring operation, and we’re proud to promote them to Senior Directors. We’re equally excited to welcome Ryan and Emily’s expertise to the marketing team, a group that continuously innovates in service of our artists and their tours.”
Merrell previously served as Director of Touring and has spent extensive time on the road with AEG Presents tours. He has also been involved in developing internal systems for produced tours, including projects within the K-pop genre.
Reflecting on his promotion, Merrell said: “It’s an honor to be part of this world-class team that continues to expand our reach with record breaking artists. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow within AEG professionally, and I look forward to many more years to come.”
“I consider myself lucky to be part of the Global Touring team and its success over the last 5+ years and am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Laurel Hilburn
Hilburn joined AEG Presents as a Contracts Administrator and has held a number of roles across the company, including Booking Assistant, Project Manager, and Touring Representative overseeing finance and production needs. Most recently, she served as Tour Director.
She added: “Working on tours at this level is something I never could have imagined when I started at AEG so many years ago. I consider myself lucky to be part of the Global Touring team and its success over the last 5+ years and am looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Erickson joins AEG Presents after eight years in tour marketing at Live Nation. Earlier in his career, he worked in social media at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and in lifestyle marketing at Universal Music Group. In his new role, he will oversee marketing for some of Global Touring’s largest tours.
“I’ve always been driven to help artists achieve their touring visions and connect with their fans worldwide.”
Ryan Erickson
Commenting on his appointment, Erickson said: “I’m so excited to join the AEG Presents Global Touring team. I’ve always been driven to help artists achieve their touring visions and connect with their fans worldwide. I’m grateful to build on that work and contribute to AEG’s continued impact across the global touring landscape. There truly is nothing like the experience of live music.”
As Director of Digital Marketing, Harenza will be responsible for shaping and leading digital strategy across Global Touring tours. She began her career in digital marketing at AC Entertainment, working across festival campaigns including Bonnaroo, before moving into tour marketing at Mick Management.
“I’ve always loved connecting fans and touring artists through strategic, creative digital campaigns.”
Emily Harenza
Most recently, she served as a Project Manager at Paramount, overseeing partnership-driven Kids & Family campaigns, including NFL initiatives and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“I’ve always loved connecting fans and touring artists through strategic, creative digital campaigns,” she said.
“And I’m so excited to be back in the music world doing just that with AEG Presents’ Global Touring division. “
The expansion comes as AEG Presents continues to manage a high-profile roster of global tours, including those for Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Tyler, The Creator, and others.
Elsewhere at AEG, the company has reported a landmark year for its venue operations. In late 2025, AEG said London’s O2 Arena hosted a record 239 performances, up 19% year-on-year, with ticket sales rising 11.4% to 2.9 million.
The increase reflects continued strength at the top end of the live market, even as smaller independent venues have faced ongoing financial pressure.
Expanding its UK footprint further, in November 2025, AEG Presents UK also opened the booking diary for its new 3,800-capacity venue at Olympia London, which will operate under the name British Airways ARC.Music Business Worldwide
