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Tim Leiweke Steps Down as OVG CEO Amid Federal Indictment
July10
Oak View Group (OVG) founder Tim Leiweke has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer following a federal indictment related to the bidding process for the University of Texas’s Moody Center. OVG360 President Chris Granger has been appointed interim CEO.
The company, which also owns Pollstar, emphasized in a statement that it had cooperated fully with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and that no charges were filed against OVG itself.
“Oak View Group cooperated fully with the Antitrust Division’s inquiry and is pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing,” the company said. “We support all efforts to ensure a fair and competitive environment in our industry and remain committed to compliance and transparency.”
Leiweke, who co-founded OVG in 2015, will remain with the company as Vice Chairman of the Board and retain his shareholder position. In a statement, he said the decision to step down was part of a previously planned succession strategy and aimed at minimizing distractions for the company.
“While I’m pleased the company has resolved its Department of Justice Antitrust Division inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing, the last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team,” Leiweke said.
In a note to OVG staff, Leiweke denied the charges brought against him personally, describing them as “wrong on the facts and the law” and calling the prosecution “a misguided attempt to criminalize lawful, ethical, and procompetitive efforts.”
The indictment alleges that Leiweke entered into an improper agreement during the selection process for the Moody Center project more than eight years ago. He stated his intention to contest the allegations in court.
Board Chairman Lee Wittlinger thanked Leiweke for his leadership, stating, “We are deeply grateful to Tim for his vision and years of dedicated service... The Board supports Tim’s transition out of the CEO role and is implementing the succession planning process that was already underway.”
New interim CEO Chris Granger said he is honored to step into the role and is focused on continuing the company’s service to clients and partners. “I am looking forward to working with our deep roster of leaders and talented team as we deliver on our mission,” Granger said.
OVG, a global venue development, management, and hospitality company, has played a major role in building and operating facilities such as Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and the Moody Center in Austin.
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