Legends Global has appointed Mark Jan Kar to a broader regional leadership role while naming Santiago Olea general manager of Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Both appointments took effect in September.
Jan Kar becomes senior vice president, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) strategic projects. In the new role, he will manage strategic projects and oversee new business opportunities across both regions. He will also maintain oversight of Coca-Cola Arena under Olea’s leadership.
Jan Kar expands regional role
Jan Kar joined Coca-Cola Arena as commercial director in 2018 before taking responsibility for its live entertainment program in 2019. He became general manager in 2021, and Legends Global expanded his responsibilities in 2024 when he became senior vice president of entertainment, content, and programming for the Middle East.
Before joining Coca-Cola Arena, Jan Kar served as vice president of strategic partnerships at International Management Group (IMG).
His latest appointment comes as Legends Global expands its work across the Gulf region. In November 2025, the company announced a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund to provide management services for venues developed by the fund. Those projects include exhibition and convention centers and entertainment venues.
“We see entertainment and events across this region as a symbolic driver of, not only economic growth, but a desirable lifestyle,” Jan Kar said.
Olea takes leadership of Coca-Cola Arena
Olea moves to Coca-Cola Arena from the King Abdullah Financial District Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, another Legends Global-managed venue. He became general manager there in 2024, overseeing the 28,000-square-meter conference center and its 1,215-square-meter banquet hall.
Olea brings more than 12 years of experience across sports and entertainment venues and major events in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Dubai. Before joining Legends Global, he served as chief operating officer for MBC Events. Earlier, he managed Live Nation venues across the Middle East, including Maraya in Saudi Arabia, The Arena in Kuwait, and Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Qatar.
“Coca-Cola Arena, owned by Dubai Holding Entertainment, has become one of the most active and versatile venues in the world, welcoming an exceptional range of touring concerts, international sporting events, comedy shows, corporate events, exhibitions, live theatre and family entertainment,” Olea said.
Opened in 2019, Coca-Cola Arena is a 17,000-capacity multipurpose venue owned by Dubai Holding Entertainment and managed by Legends Global. The venue has hosted more than 550 live events since opening, according to the company.
Legends Global provides venue management and event services across a global network of venues. For more information, visit LegendsGlobal.com.
Press release submitted by Legends Global. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
