CEO MONTHLY / SEPTEMBER 2025 12 ans deserve better. Sports Illustrated Tickets recognises this and is on a mission to improve the live event experience by offering transparency and seamless access to the best sports and entertainment events worldwide. This mission extends far beyond the mere sale of a ticket, to improving the fan experience as only a Sports Illustrated company can. To make this dream a reality, Sports Illustrated Tickets has prioritised several key initiatives: investing heavily in technology to make the user experience intuitive and efficient; and building strong partnerships across the sports and entertainment industries, offering exclusive access to authentic experiences congruent with the Sports Illustrated brand. “We understand that fans are looking for more than just a seat at an event – they want the experience to be better. No other live event marketplace understands the fan and what it means to be there live than Sports Illustrated Tickets.” CEO David Lane heads this mission, responsible for setting the company’s strategy and making sure it is executed – day in, day out. David’s career has been shaped by a passion for sports, live entertainment, and building innovative businesses. He started in the broadband industry before moving into digital out-of-home advertising, quickly learning the power of combining brand partnerships with effective marketing in places that directly engaged with its target audiences. Over time, David led initiatives that brought together technology and brand storytelling in the hospitality industry. “When the opportunity came to lead SI Tickets, I saw the potential to compete in a space dominated by legacy players by leveraging the Sports Illustrated brand, building a cutting-edge platform, and reimagining the fan experience from the ground up,” he recalled. “Getting here was about persistence, surrounding myself with talented people, and never losing sight of the fact that our business is ultimately about creating unforgettable moments for fans.” After gaining extensive experience in the industry, David has focused on guiding his team toward productivity by leveraging strategies that have been refined over the years. He ensures that every team member David Lane Named 2025 Most Influential CEO in the Live Event Marketplace Sports Illustrated Tickets is a fanfirst ticketing marketplace, with the largest audience in the industry and a marketplace connecting more buyers and sellers than any other ticketing platform around the world. The company is helmed by CEO David Lane, an innovative individual and recent recipient in the Most Influential CEO Awards 2025. Join us as we caught up with David below for more, in the wake of his significant success. not only understands their responsibilities, but also how their role contributes to the larger business objectives. He strives to encourage a sense of ownership and innovation within the team, often finding that empowering individuals to take intuitive drives productivity and also spurs creative problem-solving. This approach has been particularly effective in keeping SI Tickets agile and competitive, especially within the challenging, dynamic online ticketing space. “Most importantly, I encourage our team to seek help when needed, and together, we are always ready to support the needs of the entire organisation,” he added. “One of the most impactful leadership lessons I’ve learned is the importance of humility and continuous learning. Early in my career, I believed that strong leadership meant always having the answers and being the expert in the room. Over time, I realised that true leadership is about empowering others, listening more than speaking, and being open to learning from anyone – whether it’s a team member, colleague, investor, or even a competitor.” David additionally emphasises the critical role that adaptability plays in both business and leadership. Regardless of experience or careful planning, there will certainly be times when outcomes do not work out as expected. It is in those moments, David attested, that the ability to pivot, reassess, and admit when something is not working becomes invaluable. It is precisely this mindset that has defined David’s approach throughout his career and ultimately earned him recognition as the USA’s Most Influential CEO 2025 for Fan-First Ticketing Marketplace. Reflecting on a successful career shaped by resilience, dedication, and adaptability, David offered one final insight to those wishing to achieve similar success: “In my career, I’ve learned that being wrong isn’t a failure; it is an opportunity to grow. Recognising when a strategy or decision isn’t yielding the desired results allows you to course-correct early and minimise losses. This requires humility and self-awareness, both of which traits are essential in a leader. The most successful leaders and organisations are the ones that can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and recognise when it’s time to take a different direction.” “In my career, I’ve learned that being wrong isn’t a failure; it is an opportunity to grow.” F Contact: David Lane Company: Sports Illustrated Tickets Web Address: www.sitickets.com
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