Askonas Holt Ltd. has announced that is it creating a new position on its leadership team, which will be that of Director, Global Head of Strategy & Innovation. Moreover, the first person to occupy the spot will be Sean Michael Gross.

Gross, who arrived from London in December, will become the first external hire immediately to join the Askonas Holt Board of Directors and will report to Chief Executive Donagh Collins.

In his new role, Gross will work alongside Donagh and the board to create a future for the company that strengthens its position as a global leader in artist management and touring. They will also develop new and innovative ways to serve its clients and the international performing arts community.

Per a press release, Gross noted, “Having collaborated with the Askonas Holt team for more than a decade, I have long admired their integrity, passion, and commitment to quality artistry. I am thrilled to be joining the company’s leadership and look forward to working with Donagh to create initiatives that not only benefit Askonas Holt and its clients but also help our industry as a whole thrive.”

Gross is known for his work for helping diversify 21C’s services beyond publicity and forging relationships with prominent artists including Daniel Barenboim, Plácido Domingo, Elīna Garanča, the late Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, Anna Netrebko, and Michael Tilson Thomas. He has lectured at conferences ranging from MIDEM to the League of American Orchestras and since 2017 has served on the guest faculty of Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.