Richard Andersen, CFE, ICD.D
Richard Andersen, renowned leadership development facilitator and Russ Simons, formed Venue Solutions Group’s Advantage Training to take guest experience, leadership and organizational development training to new heights.
Richard serves as Chief Illuminations Officer for VSG. He is passionate about maximizing human potential, drawing upon 35 plus years of experience in professional sports, venues, and hospitality management to design and facilitate leading-edge training and development programs that deliver those “aha moments.”
Well-known motivational and keynote speaker, Richard is sought after for his experience and success in the areas of leadership, career and personal development, strategic planning and team building.
Over the course of his career, Richard has held leadership roles with prominent organizations, including President & CEO of Seafair, the premier festival management company of the Pacific Northwest, President & CEO of Northlands, one of Canada’s largest multi-purpose entertainment and meeting complexes, EVP of the San Diego Padres, General Manager of PETCO Park, President & CEO of Sun Life Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins, and a senior member of the Super Bowl XXIX Hosting Committee.
He is an instructor at the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Management School and Graduate Institute, Chair of its Board of Regents, and a faculty member of the Graduate Institute of the Venue Management Association (Australia and Pacific). He is also a past Chair of the Board of Directors for IAVM.
Richard holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and an International Corporate Directors designation from the University of Toronto. Additionally, he is a past faculty member of San Diego State University, where he facilitated classes in the Sports MBA program.
