Legends Global has appointed Mark Jan Kar as Senior Vice President, MENA and APAC Strategic Projects. Santiago Olea will become General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, effective September 2026.
The leadership changes will strengthen Legends Global’s focus on existing operations and new business opportunities across the Gulf region. Kar will oversee strategic projects across the Middle East and APAC, while Olea will lead Coca-Cola Arena.
Mark Jan Kar takes regional strategic projects role
Mark Jan Kar joined Coca-Cola Arena as Commercial Director in 2018. He then took responsibility for the venue’s live entertainment programme in 2019.
Kar became General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena in 2021. His remit expanded again in 2024, when he became Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Content and Programming for the Middle East region.
In his new role, Kar will manage strategic projects across the Middle East and APAC region. He will also oversee new business opportunities across the region.
Kar will continue to maintain oversight of Coca-Cola Arena under Olea’s leadership. He will work under Paul Sergeant, Legends Global’s Executive Vice President for Asia and MENA.
Before joining Coca-Cola Arena, Kar served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at International Management Group. In that role, he represented major names across sport and entertainment.
Kar said the MENA region is experiencing growth and development. He also pointed to the role of live experiences in bringing communities together.
“The exponential growth and development across the MENA region mean we can harness the power of bringing communities together through world-class live experiences,” Kar said.
He added that the Legends Global network provides access to content, tours, partnerships and other opportunities for local audiences.
Santiago Olea moves to Coca-Cola Arena
Santiago Olea will take over as General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena. Olea joins the Dubai venue from another Legends Global operation in Saudi Arabia.
Olea became General Manager of the King Abdullah Financial District Conference Centre in Riyadh in 2024. The 28,000 square metre conference centre includes a 1,215 square metre banquet hall.
The venue hosts conferences, concerts, gala dinners, exhibitions, product launches, award ceremonies and weddings.
Olea brings more than 12 years of experience across sports and entertainment venues. His experience covers Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai.
Before joining Legends Global, Olea worked at MBC Group. He served as Chief Operating Officer for MBC Events, where he focused on event execution and strategic alliances with vendors.
Olea also managed Live Nation venues across the Middle East. His portfolio included Maraya in Saudi Arabia, The Arena in Kuwait and Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Qatar.
At Maraya, Olea developed and delivered the venue’s programming strategy. The programme supported the venue’s artistic vision and attracted national and international events across multiple genres.
Leadership changes support regional growth
Peter Loxton, Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific and Middle East at Legends Global, described the appointments as continuity for the company’s regional leadership.
“With a variety of strong opportunities across the dynamic Middle East and growing APAC market we are pleased to have Mark’s leadership continue across the region,” Loxton said.
The changes also come as Legends Global expands its involvement in Saudi Arabia’s developing venue sector.
In November 2025, Legends Global announced a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund. The partnership supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its growing venue industry, according to the company.
The partnership will provide management services for venues developed by the Event Investment Fund. These projects include exhibition and convention centres and entertainment venues.
The venues are intended to host events across culture, entertainment, tourism and indoor sports.
For Legends Global, the appointments place two experienced regional executives in complementary roles. Kar will focus on strategic projects and new business opportunities, while Olea will take operational leadership of Coca-Cola Arena.
Coca-Cola Arena expands leadership mandate
Coca-Cola Arena opened in June 2019. The venue has a capacity of 17,000 and can host events throughout the year.
The arena has hosted more than 550 live events since opening, according to Legends Global. The company also said the venue recorded its strongest year of sold out shows in 2025.
In 2025, Coca-Cola Arena was shortlisted for the ILMC Arthur Awards. In 2026, IQ Magazine recognised the venue as an Arena Star, placing it among 20 venues globally recognised for capabilities and live entertainment excellence.
Olea said Coca-Cola Arena has developed into a versatile venue for Dubai. Its events include touring concerts, international sporting events, comedy shows, corporate events, exhibitions, live theatre and family entertainment.
“It’s been adopted by locals and loved by guests and artists, and I look forward to working alongside the expert team at the Arena to deliver the next phase of growth and economic impact for the city,” Olea said.
Both executive appointments take effect in September 2026.
