Josephine Vaccarello has been promoted to president of MSG Entertainment, the company announced on Monday, handing the long-serving executive responsibility for strategy and the day-to-day running of the live-entertainment arm that controls some of New York’s most iconic venues.
From administrative assistant to president
Vaccarello, who joined the business in 1998, had been serving as executive vice-president of live for MSG Entertainment. In that role she played a key part in securing major concerts, sporting events and long-term residencies, including those by artists such as Billy Joel and Harry Styles. Her elevation to president places her in charge of the firm’s entertainment and sports bookings at venues operated by MSG Entertainment — with the exception of the New York Rangers and New York Knicks — and extends to live programming at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
“Over her nearly thirty-year career with MSG, Josephine has not only been instrumental in growing our live event business but also established herself as one of the industry’s most impactful and respected leaders,”
The comment came from Jim Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive of MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment, who underlined Vaccarello’s deep knowledge of the company and her industry relationships as central to the promotion.
What the role covers
MSG Entertainment’s portfolio includes several high-profile venues and live productions. Vaccarello’s remit will include oversight of bookings across the estate and the strategic direction of live entertainment offerings. The company also oversees seasonal and signature productions such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes.
- Venues under MSG Entertainment: Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre and the Sphere (Las Vegas) among others.
- Programming handled: Concerts, residencies, live sports bookings (excluding the Rangers and Knicks) and special productions including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
- Previous role: Executive vice-president of live, with responsibilities including major bookings and residencies.
Vaccarello acknowledged her long tenure at the company and described the promotion as an honour. She emphasised the breadth of MSG’s portfolio and its role in delivering “unforgettable experiences” for millions of fans annually, and said she looked forward to working across the MSG Family of Companies to expand and enhance live events.
“I am fortunate to have built my career at a company like MSG, which has always used the breadth of its portfolio to offer a wide range of events that push live entertainment forward and create unforgettable experiences for millions of fans each year,”
Industry implications
The appointment reflects a wider trend in live entertainment toward consolidating leadership around executives with deep operational experience and industry connections. Vaccarello’s background in bookings and residency management will be particularly relevant as venues continue to compete for major acts and longer-term shows that drive steady revenue streams.
MSG Entertainment operates within a complex live-entertainment ecosystem in which venue capacity, exclusive residencies and global touring schedules are all central to commercial success. The company’s remit extends beyond traditional arenas to immersive and large-scale venues such as the Sphere, which has become a competitive destination for headline residencies and bespoke productions.
| Area | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Venue operations | Strategy and day-to-day oversight |
| Bookings | Entertainment and sports bookings (excl. Rangers/Knicks) |
| Residencies & major acts | Securing and managing long-term engagements |
MSG’s announcement does not indicate structural changes beyond Vaccarello’s new title, but the elevation of a veteran operator signals continuity in the company’s approach to live entertainment while positioning a senior leader to drive future growth. Her promotion also underlines the value placed on longstanding institutional knowledge in an industry navigating technological change, shifting audience behaviours and post-pandemic demand for live experiences.
As Vaccarello moves into the role, attention will fall on how she balances the demands of flagship New York venues with the increasingly important Las Vegas market — and how MSG will leverage its assets to secure the top-tier performers and productions that define the live sector.
