Toronto, ON (April 27, 2023) – The MRG Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Smid to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.
Jacob has been an integral part of The MRG team, embodying the company’s core values of leading with kindness, showing up, growing more while wasting less, and getting better every day. As COO, Jacob will oversee all of The MRG Group’s operating businesses across the organization, reporting directly to President, Matt Gibbons.
Founded 15 years ago by Matt Gibbons, The MRG Group has grown into Canada’s leading independent integrated experience network, recently expanding into new territories and new lines of business. Its mission is to create a seamless network that brings together the right people with the right experiences at the right time, guaranteeing every experience is a Positive Shareable Experience (PSE).
Matt speaks on Jacob’s promotion, “Jacob’s dedication to our values and culture has helped the organization move forward in exciting ways. His work ethic, positive energy along with the ability to reinforce team structure and alignment have made a significant impact at MRG. I am confident that in his new role, Jacob will continue to inspire and motivate our team with his contributions and mentor our leaders. His effort over the last 3 years has advanced MRG into a world-class logistics, marketing, and financial partner for creators and entrepreneurs.”
Since Jacob joined The MRG Group at the start of 2020, the group has witnessed MRG Live exponentially grow its footprint in Canada and touring, as well as enter new markets in the US and Europe, the launch of MRG Travel, the expansion and new leadership at MRG Events, along with supporting the development of AdmitONE Ticketing to reach over $30 million in ticket sales in its first full year, all while embracing MRG’s hospitality properties and improving their day-to-day operations.
“In the last 15 years, our President, Matt has established an impressive business that cultivates a culture of excellence, kindness, and where exceptional ideas come to life. I’ve had the pleasure of helping shape this remarkable enterprise over the last three years. As COO, I’m dedicated to supporting its continued growth, ensuring we deliver world-class experiences for our team, partners, and guests,” Jacob notes.
As Jacob steps into the COO role, Matt will focus on enhancing The MRG Groups’ experiences and expanding its network through organic growth, acquisitions and partnerships.
Jacob and Matt’s new roles within the organization support The MRG Group’s mission, which is to establish a seamless network that unites the right people with the right experiences at the right time, ensuring every experience is a positive, shareable one!
About The MRG Group
In operation since 2008, The MRG Group has grown into one of the leading entertainment and hospitality companies in Canada. The company expanded operations into the US in early 2021.
As the largest independent venue operator and promoter in Canada, the company owns and operates a total of 13 properties across the country, which includes Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Theatre & Adelaide Hall in Toronto, and Capital Ballroom in Victoria, as well as a portfolio of hospitality establishments, large-scale event production, a music label, media publication BeatRoute Media, a wholesale and retail travel agency, as well as AdmitONE ticketing platform.
Our teams have been focusing on developing new opportunities for our artist and agency partners, starting with venues in California, Florida, and New York. We are committed to growing our footprint through artist touring, new venues, and underserved market opportunities, as well as consultancy work in the experience economy.
The MRG Group’s mission is to be a global leader in creating positive shareable experiences—what we call PSEs, the foundation of our values and belief system.