Governing Body Spotlight

David Jones is the CIO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. He leads AEG’s Global Technology division which delivers technology strategy, services, and support to AEG’s global businesses to help bring to life the company’s 220,000+ annual events that entertain over 100 million fans each year.

He joined AEG in 2008, initially in a European leadership role, and he has been global CIO since 2022, splitting his time between AEG’s headquarters in Los Angeles and London. A fun fact about David is that he lives on the Isle of Wight with his husband.

Learn more about the UK & Ireland CIO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I studied Chemistry at Oxford University. While there, I joined the student radio society, and was part of the team that launched the UK’s first fully licensed student radio station.

I started working for Virgin Radio in my university holidays, and then went on to join them full-time in 1997. I stayed for 10 years, and was there during the fun days of the Chris Evans and Ginger Media Group era. I was Director of Technology, responsible for broadcast, IT, and what was, at that time, the world’s largest online radio station.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

To foster trust and strong relationships in my team.
 

What is the greatest challenge your particular C-level role is facing today, and how are you addressing it?

Recruiting and retaining talented and committed people. My leadership team and I are focused on creating a culture of trust and respect, and one where our people can learn and develop, and have fun.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?

Spending as much time as possible talking and listening to leaders in all parts of the business.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

Through the engagement, loyalty, and job satisfaction of the people in my team. And, through the feedback I receive from leaders in our business on how my team supports them to grow and innovate. 
 

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