After a thorough selection process, VEGA's board has chosen Anders Wahrén as the new CEO. The position of CEO at VEGA is one of the most important roles in Denmark's live music scene, with more than 350 concerts held annually across its three stages. For nearly 30 years, VEGA has prioritized music and insisted on playing a positive and progressive role at all levels of the music eco system, from emerging talents to established stars.

Anders Wahrén has 25 years of experience in live music. Born and raised in Roskilde, Anders has always had music in his blood, first at the venue Gimle and then at Roskilde Festival, where he debuted 1996 and started as a volunteer in 2001. After a four-year stint at Live Nation and Copenhell, Anders returned to Roskilde Festival in 2011, where he has served as program director for the past 14 years. As program director at Roskilde Festival, Anders has been responsible for the festival's overall music, art, and activism program, stage development, and strategic direction.

Chairman of the Board, David Zahle: ‘The recruitment of a new CEO for VEGA has been a long and thorough process, as it should be. A large and complex institution like VEGA is not for anyone. Anders Wahrén is a skilled leader who has been dedicated to music throughout his career and has solid experience with the operation and development of major music-related ambitions at Roskilde Festival. With artistic quality at the forefront, Anders will help ensure that a vibrant music environment can grow on its own terms. He is the perfect fit to ensure that audiences receive the best concert and sound experience, whether they are seeing new generations of talent or the many musicians who return to VEGA year after year.’

Incoming VEGA CEO, Anders Wahrén: ‘For me, VEGA is Denmark’s most important permanent music venue, and I am excited to work with everything from emerging talents to the biggest local stars and new international trends. VEGA is driven by strong values and ambitions to create positive change, which aligns well with my own principles and professional background. I am joining a strong team at VEGA, and I look forward to working with them on unfolding future plans and dreams.’

Anders Wahrén will join a highly qualified management team that develops and hosts over 350 concerts annually at both the Main and Small VEGA venues and Ideal Bar. The rest of VEGA’s management team includes CFO Vivian Ment, Program Director Lene Vive Christiansen, Head of Communications Søren Gaden, Head of Commercial and Operations Louise Juul Dalby, and Head of Production and Facility Kevin Le Geyt.

VEGA’s board has established a new and ambitious direction, which Anders Wahrén will be in charge of implementing. The strategy ‘Music comes first’ remains foundational to VEGA, and the venue's position as an independent venue with three distinct hall capacities is unique in an international context. VEGA will continue to be Denmark’s largest club scene, focusing on sublime experiences for audiences and musicians, diversity, talent development, and experimenting with new formats.

With the appointment of the new CEO, VEGA will say goodbye this Summer to Steen Jørgensen, who has served as CEO for over 14 years. Steen Jørgensen took on leadership during a period in VEGA’s history when the economy was threatened, and the future uncertain. Today, Steen can proudly leave behind a highly successful, well-managed, and respected venue. Steen Jørgensen will continue to use his wealth of experience as a representative of VEGA on the board of Odd Productions, which was selected by the City of Copenhagen last autumn to continue operating the venues Amager Bio and Beta.

Photo of Anders Wahrén taken by @Mathias Grandjean.

About Anders Byriel Wahrén
Born 1982 in Roskilde.

Experience:
1998-2000: Volunteer at the venue Gimle
2001-2004: Production Manager and Booker at Gimle
2001-2004: Volunteer at Roskilde Festival
2004-2007: Booker at Roskilde Festival
2007-2011: Booking Agent at Live Nation and COPENHELL
2011-2025: Program Director at Roskilde Festival, Member of the Festival Management

Trust Positions:
Board Member at Gimle from 2017, Chairman from 2019.
Board Member at Music Export Denmark (MXD) from 2014, Chairman from 2021.
Guest Lecturer at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory (RMC) since 2011.

Anders Wahrén is married to Christine Byriel Wahrén, has two children, and resides in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro area.