Ticketmaster names ex-Amazon VP Jim Freeman as CTO in AI push
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The gist
Ticketmaster hired former Amazon VP Jim Freeman as CTO and acquired AI startup Ragie.ai.
The ticketing giant rebuilds its tech leadership amid bot attacks and antitrust scrutiny.
Background
Ticketmaster is the ticketing company owned by Live Nation, and its chief technology officer post had sat empty since February, when London-based CTO Carlos Alvarez-Coch left ahead of a deposition in the U.S. government's antitrust trial against Live Nation. The company is now filling out its technology bench and buying AI capability, moves it frames around using technology and data to deliver more reliable, secure and personalized experiences. Bot attacks have plagued the company for years, which is part of the backdrop to the AI and leadership push.
How it unfolded
- Feb 27, 2026London-based CTO Carlos Alvarez-Coch departed ahead of a deposition in the U.S. antitrust trial against parent company Live Nation, leaving the CTO slot vacant.
- Jul 2026Ticketmaster acquired AI startup Ragie.ai.
- Oct 19, 2026Dubai Racing Club named Ticketmaster its official ticketing partner for the 2026/27 season at Meydan Racecourse, covering the Dubai Racing Carnival and Dubai World Cup.
- Oct 19, 2026Ticketmaster hired Jim Freeman as CTO, appointed Rachel Smith as its first SVP of data science and machine learning, and named Chuck Mortimore SVP of product.
- Oct 21, 2026Reports emerged of a new data breach at Ticketmaster's Brazil subsidiary, alongside coverage of the AI acquisition and executive hires.
- Oct 21, 2026The DOJ and FTC filed a court action against reseller REPS & Co, alleging violations of the FTC Act and BOTS Act and claiming more than $120 million in profit from reselling tickets via thousands of accounts on platforms including Ticketmaster and AXS.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Global president Saumil Mehta said reliable, secure and personalized experiences depend on how effectively the company uses technology and data, and that the new hires and the Ragie.ai team will help it move faster and deliver better outcomes for fans, artists, venues and clients.
- Support
- The National Independent Talent Organization issued a statement in support of the DOJ/FTC action against REPS & Co.
- Official
- Dubai Racing Club CEO HE Ali Al Ali said the club is pleased to welcome Ticketmaster as official ticketing partner, making it easier for fans in the UAE and around the world to join.
Still unverified
A new data breach has been reported at Ticketmaster's Brazil subsidiary; the sources describe it as reported rather than confirmed.