TicketSwap, the Amsterdam-based online platform for buying and selling tickets, recently announced Jan van Casteren as the new CEO. This strategic appointment marks a pivotal step in their evolution from a ticket resale agency to a comprehensive discovery platform for fans. Van Casteren’s leadership comes at a time when the company is set to explore and expand its offerings beyond traditional ticketing services, enhancing its role in the live entertainment industry.
Earlier reports indicated that TicketSwap was selected for the Techleap.nl Rise cohort, illustrating its commitment to innovative growth. Historically, the company has concentrated on transparency and security in ticketing, making strides in reducing fraud and maintaining fair prices. This contrasts with past industry critiques, where a lack of fair practices often led to inflated ticket prices and scams.
Who is the Incoming CEO?
Jan van Casteren, previously associated with Flexport, has extensive experience in European market expansion. His role at Flexport involved leading and growing teams across the continent, which equipped him with the skills needed for his new position at TicketSwap. His background also includes a tenure at The Boston Consulting Group, enriching his expertise in strategic management.
His academic credentials include an MBA from INSEAD and an MSc in Information Management from Tilburg University. These qualifications fortify his capacity to guide TicketSwap through its next phase of expansion and innovation.
Why the Change in Leadership Now?
Hans Ober, co-founder and former CEO, has chosen to step back from daily operations after successfully steering TicketSwap to profitability and scalability. With twenty million tickets sold and the company’s robust European presence, Ober decided it was time to focus on strategic innovation. Despite stepping down, he continues influencing the company’s direction as part of the supervisory board.
“After 12.5 years, I’m passing the baton to Jan so I can fully focus on innovation and strategy within TicketSwap.” – Hans Ober
On assuming his new role, Van Casteren emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing the user experience and fostering partnerships. He aims to broaden TicketSwap’s market reach and impact within the live events ecosystem.
“I see tremendous potential, both in the Netherlands and beyond.” – Jan van Casteren
TicketSwap, established in 2012, strives to transform secondary ticketing with fair pricing and anti-fraud technology. As the platform grows to encompass 9 million users across 36 countries, its SecureSwap technology remains a key feature ensuring safety and fairness. This technology verifies sellers and caps prices to prevent scandals commonly seen in the resale market.
Supporting 14 currencies and nine languages, TicketSwap has become a significant player in the global events sphere, covering over 40,000 events annually. Its commitment to a transparent and safe environment reflects in its growing user base and continued success.
This leadership transition highlights TicketSwap’s strategic shift to not only enhance user engagement but also support event organizers with innovative methodologies. With Van Casteren at the helm, the company is poised to push further into international markets, signaling its intent to make deeper inroads in the events industry.
