Live Nation's Legal Helm Changes Hands After Two Decades

Michael Rowles is moving on. After two decades as General Counsel and Secretary at Live Nation, the veteran executive is handing off one of the biggest legal jobs in the music and live events business. Starting November 2nd, Da-Wai Hu — who comes from Chewy — takes over the role.

Here's the setup: for the next 14 months, both Rowles and Hu will technically hold the title on paper, with Rowles staying on until 2028. That overlap gives the company a real transition window instead of a cold handoff. It's smart succession planning, especially at a company as deep in the mix as Live Nation — promoter, ticketer, and player in every major deal that moves live music.

Rowles leaving after that long a run is significant. He's been through mergers, lawsuits, congressional scrutiny, and the entire pandemic shutdown. The legal team at Live Nation doesn't just handle contracts — they're juggling antitrust questions, artist disputes, and the shifting landscape of how live events work in 2024.

Hu's got some corporate chops from the e-commerce world, so it'll be worth watching how he applies that mindset to live entertainment law. Either way, this one's a proper changing of the guard at the biggest venue and promoter outfit on the planet.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide → https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/michael-rowles-steps-back-as-live-nation-general-counsel-after-20-years-with-chewys-da-wai-hu-taking-the-role/