Olympia Estates, the operating company for the iconic London destination, has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Michael Volkert, ahead of the phased opening of its new public venues starting next year. The heritage site is currently in the final stages of a £1.3bn transformation that will see it become the capital’s newest entertainment destination, adding a new music venue and theatre as well as hotels, restaurants, bars, state-of-the-art office space, International Convention Centre (ICC) and new public realm to its much-loved exhibition halls.

Volkert brings over two decades of leadership experience across major global destinations, spanning some of the world’s most recognised integrated resorts and hospitality destinations, from Las Vegas and Macau to Singapore and Melbourne, with a strong track-record of delivering growth and innovation, standout visitor experience, as well as building up team culture.

Most recently, he served as CEO of Crown Resorts in Melbourne, part of one of Australia’s largest entertainment groups, where he oversaw the resort’s operations with a focus on exceptional customer service, commercial performance and delivered high-impact partnerships with the likes of Melbourne Carnival Cups, Golf Australia and Formula 1. Prior to this, he held senior roles at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, leading strategy and operations. He also spent a decade with MGM Resorts International, working across properties such as Bellagio Resort & Casino and Aria Resort & Casino, with roles spanning pre-opening and operational phases.  

At Olympia, Volkert will lead the estate’s team and oversee the destination as it transitions from development to live operations. He will work closely with venue operators across the site, including Olympia Events, the operator of the iconic halls and of the new ICC. His appointment marks a significant milestone as Olympia will start the phased opening of its public venues in 2026, evolving from heritage event space into London’s newest entertainment destination.

Gavin Neilan, Founding Partner of DFI, investment advisor to Olympia, said: “Michael brings exactly the kind of experience and vision we’re seeking to take Olympia into its next chapter. His track record in leading world-class destinations and building exceptional teams makes him uniquely placed to guide Olympia as it opens and begins operations. This is a transformative moment for London’s cultural landscape, and we’re delighted to have Michael at the helm.”

Michael Volkert, CEO of Olympia Estates, said: “Olympia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a destination that captures global attention, right in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities. With the opening now on the horizon, I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and to working with Olympia’s talented team and partners to create a place that will transform how people experience entertainment and hospitality.”

Co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC and delivered by Yoo Capital and DFI, together with investor advisor, Hines, Olympia is being transformed into one of the UK’s most exciting new destinations, reimagining a 140-year-old icon as an entertainment and business hub. Once open, the reimagined Olympia is expected to attract around 10 million footfall annually, from London, the UK, and across the globe.

In September, Olympia welcomed the first of its new venue launches, with the opening of Wetherby Pembridge, a new co-educational senior school, marking the first chapter in the destination’s transformation. Over the coming months, Olympia will continue to open in stages, evolving into a vibrant cultural, entertainment and business hub.  

The 14-acre site will include a new 3,800-capacity live music venue managed by AEG Presents; London’s largest purpose-built theatre in almost 50 years with 1,575 seats, managed by Trafalgar Entertainment in partnership with Broadway’s Shubert Organization,  two international hotels – citizenM and Hyatt Regency, a boutique gym by 1Rebel, 550,000 sq ft of premium office space with tenants such as Premier League Studios, a new ICC, as well as 30 restaurants, bars and eateries, with confirmed operators including D3 Collective and Incipio. The destination will be complemented by 2.5 acres of new public realm, which will host a year-round enlivenment programme.